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Patient Story

A 6-month-old African American boy is brought to his pediatrician for his six-month well-baby exam and immunizations. The mother asks whether the red mark on the forehead and right eyebrow from birth will ever go away (Figure 170-1). The pediatrician refers the child to a dermatologist that explains that this is a capillary malformation called a port-wine stain and that it will remain there for the rest of the child’s life. He also notes that it is less likely but still possible for this to be a salmon patch that could resolve spontaneously (although most salmon patches are lighter and midline). He states that it is not necessary to perform a biopsy because either way it is a capillary malformation that will not cause the child any physical harm. As it only involves part of V1 and none of V2, it is extremely unlikely to be part of the neurocutaneous syndrome known as Sturge-Weber syndrome. The pediatrician decides to not even bring up Sturge-Weber to avoid making the mother anxious but will continue to follow the child’s development over time. The dermatologist also explained that the child may choose to have laser treatment in the future if the capillary malformation is causing psychological distress.

FIGURE 170-1

Capillary malformation since birth on the forehead and right eyebrow of this 6-month-old infant. This is likely to be a port-wine stain since it is not midline and it is darker than most salmon patches. As it only involves part of V1 and none of V2 it is extremely unlikely to be part of the Sturge-Weber syndrome. (Used with permission from Richard P. Usatine, MD.)

Introduction

Vascular malformations at birth range from the very common and benign salmon patch to rare but serious neurocutaneous syndromes (Sturge-Weber syndrome). Cutaneous lymphatic malformations are seen in a relatively rare condition called lymphangioma circumscripta. Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome (hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia) is a rare vascular disorder that is inherited an autosomal dominant manner. Childhood hemangiomas are covered separately in Chapter 93, Childhood Hemangiomas.

Synonyms

There are two major types of capillary malformations present at birth:

  • Salmon patch (stork bite, angel kiss, capillary stain, nuchal nevus, nevus simplex, telangiectatic nevus, and nevus flammeus nuchae) is a superficial capillary malformation and is likely to resolve spontaneously (Figure 170-2). Using the term capillary stain is one-way to denote how superficial it is.

  • Port-wine stain (nevus flammeus) is deeper capillary malformation in the dermis and does not involute over time (Figure 170-3). In fact, it may increase in size, thickness, and become more nodular over time. It is this type of capillary malformation that may be associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome or Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

  • Microcystic lymphatic malformations are called lymphangioma circumscriptum or cutaneous lymphangioma ...

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