Investigating the structure of the port-wine stain by transcutaneous microscopy

Abstract

The structures present in port-wine stains of patients presenting for argon laser therapy were examined by means of a simple transcutaneous microscope. This method is non-invasive and allows the investigator to make a thorough examination of the naevus. The port-wine stain was found to contain a variety of aberrant capillary and vascular structures. Abnormalities of the capillaries of the dermal papillae result in a variety of structures ranging from simple increase in the size of the capillaries to elongation of the vessels and breakdown of the tone of the vessel walls to give structures which resemble cavernous haemangiomata. Abnormalities of the vessels deeper down in the subdermal vascular plexus may also be seen. Occasionally, tufts of several capillaries may originate from a small feeder vessel. The capillaries in some lesions may be abnormally elongated, complex, helically twisted and very thin. Naevi on the face appear different from those on the limbs although this has not yet been verified by extensive observation.