title: Study of microvascular structure in keloid and hypertrophic scars: density of microvessels and the efficacy of three-dimensional vascular imaging.
abstract: We have investigated the blood vessels in keloids and hypertrophic scars, both morphologically and statistically. We also tried to construct three-dimensional images of blood vessels in a keloid and hypertrophic scar to clarify the vascular patterns. Keloids (n = 16) and hypertrophic scars (n = 12) were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and immunostained with anti-CD31 antibody. The capillary density (number/1.0 mm(2)) and length of the major and minor axes were measured, and the major:minor axis ratio was calculated. Eighty serial sections were prepared from the preparations. Using image preparation software (Realia, INTAGE), the 80 input images were superimposed to construct a three-dimensional image of blood vessels in the tissue. We initially succeeded in constructing three-dimensional images of blood vessels in a keloid and hypertrophic scar. By statistical analysis of the vascular density and morphology, we clarified that there were fewer capillaries in keloids than in hypertrophic scars (p < 0.01), and that the vascular lumen was flattened. Capillaries in the central region of keloids tended to flat, compared with those in the marginal region. Three-dimensional images suggested that there was no microvascular communication in keloids; there was also an inadequate blood supply in keloid tissue. These findings may be a result of the growth of collagen and fibroblasts with keloid maturation.
authors: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Osaka Medical College, Daigaku-cho 2-7, Takatuki, Osaka, Japan.
authors: Norifumi
authors: N
authors: Kurokawa
authors: Koichi
authors: K
authors: Ueda
authors: Motomu
authors: M
authors: Tsuji
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002196:Capillaries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D002648:Child; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000473:pathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007627:Keloid / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D020678:Microscopic Angioscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology; D013048:Specimen Handling; D055815:Young Adult