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Background: Some vascular malformations are difficult to manage with surgical treatment. Thus, percutaneous sclerotherapy has been utilized with several advantages over surgical treatment. Bleomycin is one of several sclerosing agents used for the treatment of vascular malformations., Objectives: To evaluate therapeutic efficacy and safety of percutaneous sclerotherapy using bleomycin for the treatment of vascular malformations., Methods: Thirty patients diagnosed with vascular malformations, including four with capillary malformations with nodular change, nine with lymphatic malformations, and 17 with venous malformations, were involved in the study. Patients received magnetic resonance imaging and pulmonary surveillance prior to the treatment. Clinical assessments for the degree of vascularity disappearance and adverse effects were performed by the investigator., Results: Percutaneous sclerotherapy using bleomycin was performed in 3.2 sessions (mean) over 3 months (mean). Significant improvement was observed in 90.0% of all lesions. All lesions of capillary malformation with nodular change and lymphatic malformation demonstrated significant improvement, and 82.4% of lesions of venous malformation improved significantly. Seven patients (23.3%) complained of side effects including pain and headache. All occurred within 24 hours and were tolerable., Conclusions: Percutaneous sclerotherapy using bleomycin is effective and tolerable in the treatment of vascular malformation through a percutaneous approach. Therefore, it could be applied usefully for vascular malformations by dermatologists., (© 2017 The International Society of Dermatology.)

Objective: We wanted to asses the efficacy of large spot 532 nm laser for the treatment of facial capillary malformations with the use of three-dimensional (3D) image analysis., Study Design and Methods: Retrospective single center study on previously non-treated patients with facial capillary malformations (CM) was performed. A total of 44 consecutive Caucasian patients aged 5-66 were included. Patients had 3D photography performed before and after and had at least one single session of treatment with 532 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser with contact cooling, fluencies ranging from 8 to 11.5 J/cm 2 , pulse duration ranging from 5 to 9 milliseconds and spot size ranging from 5 to 10 mm. Objective analysis of percentage improvement based on 3D digital assessment of combined color and area improvement (global clearance effect [GCE]) were performed., Results: Median maximal improvement achieved during the treatment (GCE max ) was 70.4%. Mean number of laser procedures required to achieve this improvement was 7.1 (ranging from 2 to 14)). Improvement of minimum 25% (GCE 25) was achieved by all patients, of minimum 50% (GCE 50) by 77.3%, of minimum 75% (GCE 75) by 38.6%, and of minimum 90% (GCE 90) by 13.64., Conclusion: Large spot 532 nm laser is highly effective in the treatment of facial CM. 3D color and area image analysis provides an objective method to compare different methods of facial CM treatment in future studies. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:743-749, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Most arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are localized and occur sporadically. However, they also can be multifocal in autosomal-dominant disorders, such as hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and capillary malformation (CM)-AVM. Previously, we identified RASA1 mutations in 50% of patients with CM-AVM. Herein we studied non-RASA1 patients to further elucidate the pathogenicity of CMs and AVMs., Methods: We conducted a genome-wide linkage study on a CM-AVM family. Whole-exome sequencing was also performed on 9 unrelated CM-AVM families. We identified a candidate gene and screened it in a large series of patients. The influence of several missense variants on protein function was also studied in vitro., Results: We found evidence for linkage in 2 loci. Whole-exome sequencing data unraveled 4 distinct damaging variants in EPHB4 in 5 families that cosegregated with CM-AVM. Overall, screening of EPHB4 detected 47 distinct mutations in 54 index patients: 27 led to a premature stop codon or splice-site alteration, suggesting loss of function. The other 20 are nonsynonymous variants that result in amino acid substitutions. In vitro expression of several mutations confirmed loss of function of EPHB4. The clinical features included multifocal CMs, telangiectasias, and AVMs., Conclusions: We found EPHB4 mutations in patients with multifocal CMs associated with AVMs. The phenotype, CM-AVM2, mimics RASA1 -related CM-AVM1 and also hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. RASA1 -encoded p120RASGAP is a direct effector of EPHB4. Our data highlight the pathogenetic importance of this interaction and indicts EPHB4-RAS-ERK signaling pathway as a major cause for AVMs., (© 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome, due to inactivating mutations in RASA1 in 68% of cases, is characterized by the development of cutaneous capillary malformations and arteriovenous malformations or fistulas; no known genetic etiology has been identified in patients with CM-AVM syndrome without RASA1 mutations. We present the case of a child with RASA1-negative CM-AVM syndrome with a de novo missense mutation in EPHB4, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor essential for vasculogenesis. Inactivating the mutation in EPHB4 has been shown to upregulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, possibly contributing to the development of vascular malformations., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Kidneys are highly vascularized and contain many distinct vascular beds. However, the origins of renal endothelial cells and roles of the developing endothelia in the formation of the kidney are unclear. We have shown that the Foxd1-positive renal stroma gives rise to endothelial marker-expressing progenitors that are incorporated within a subset of peritubular capillaries; however, the significance of these cells is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether deletion of Flk1 in the Foxd1 stroma was important for renal development. To that end, we conditionally deleted Flk1 (critical for endothelial cell development) in the renal stroma by breeding-floxed Flk1 mice ( Flk1 fl/fl ) with Foxd1cre mice to generate Foxd1cre; Flk1 fl/fl ( Flk1 ST-/- ) mice. We then performed FACsorting, histological, morphometric, and metabolic analyses of Flk1 ST-/- vs. control mice. We confirmed decreased expression of endothelial markers in the renal stroma of Flk1 ST-/- kidneys via flow sorting and immunostaining, and upon interrogation of embryonic and postnatal Flk1 ST-/- mice, we found they had dilated peritubular capillaries. Three-dimensional reconstructions showed reduced ureteric branching and fewer nephrons in developing Flk1 ST-/- kidneys vs., Controls: Juvenile Flk1 ST-/- kidneys displayed renal papillary hypoplasia and a paucity of collecting ducts. Twenty-four-hour urine collections revealed that postnatal Flk1 ST-/- mice had urinary-concentrating defects. Thus, while lineage-tracing revealed that the renal cortical stroma gave rise to a small subset of endothelial progenitors, these Flk1-expressing stromal cells are critical for patterning the peritubular capillaries. Also, loss of Flk1 in the renal stroma leads to nonautonomous-patterning defects in ureteric lineages., (Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.)

Introduction The clinical expression of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the consequence of endothelial cell damage leading to serious multiple organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the association between nailfold capillaroscopic changes and disease activity, skin and renal involvement in patients with SLE. Methods Demographic variables, clinical manifestations and laboratory data of 108 patients with SLE were investigated. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) was performed in all patients. Result Morphological changes in NFC were observed in 102 out of 108 (94.4%) SLE patients. Minor changes were found in 33 (30.6%) and major changes in 69 (63.9%) cases. The disease activity was significantly higher in the patients with major changes ( p < 0.002). A higher incidence of microhaemorrhages was seen in patients with active SLE disease ( p < 0.04). In SLE patients with active skin involvement, the disturbed distribution ( p < 0.004) was more frequent and subtle changes ( p < 0.009) were less frequently observed as compared with patients without active skin involvement. In the group of SLE patients with renal involvement, no correlation was found between the capillary abnormalities and the presence of renal involvement ( p > 0.05), except for the elongated capillary loops, which were seen more often in patients with renal involvement than in patients without it ( p < 0.03). Conclusion The results of the study showed that capillary changes (abnormal capillaroscopy) were very common in patients with SLE, although there were no specific patterns like the ones in scleroderma patients, and some changes may be associated with disease activity, especially in patients with active skin involvement.

Renal vascular lesions (RVL) are rare, and their morphological spectrum remains largely unknown, particularly in children. In this study, we characterize the clinicopathological features of RVL in a cohort of 12 children. Seven lesions were classified as previously recognized entities: vascular malformations (4), papillary endothelial hyperplasia (2), and pyogenic granuloma (lobular capillary hemangioma; 1). An eighth lesion showed nonspecific findings, which were interpreted as reactive during our review. The remaining 4 cases presented either prenatally, at birth, or shortly after birth and were morphologically similar. These were characterized by a peculiar pattern of capillary proliferation with entrapment of native renal structures, variable amounts of extramedullary hematopoiesis and reactive lymphocytes, foci of infarction and hemorrhage, and the presence of feeding and draining vessels at their periphery. To our knowledge, this represents a previously undescribed congenital vascular lesion involving the kidney, which we have descriptively and provisionally termed congenital capillary proliferation of the kidney (CCPK). While it is unclear whether CCPK represents a malformation or neoplastic proliferation, it shows overlapping features with congenital hemangioma of the liver (solitary congenital hepatic hemangioma) and congenital nonprogressive hemangioma (CNH) of the skin and soft tissue, suggesting a possible common pathogenesis among these 3 entities., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Capillary malformation is a cutaneous vascular anomaly that is present at birth, darkens over time, and can cause overgrowth of tissues beneath the stain. The lesion is caused by a somatic activating mutation in GNAQ. In a previous study, we were unable to identify a GNAQ mutation in patients with a capillary malformation involving an overgrown lower extremity. We hypothesized that mutations in GNA11 or GNA14, genes closely related to GNAQ, also may cause capillary malformations., Methods: Human capillary malformation tissue obtained from 8 patients that had tested negative for GNAQ mutations were studied. Lesions involved an extremity (n = 7) or trunk (n = 1). Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used to detect GNA11 or GNA14 mutant cells (p.Arg183) in the specimens. Single molecule molecular inversion probe sequencing (smMIP-seq) was performed to search for other mutations in GNA11. Mutations were validated by subcloning and sequencing amplimers., Results: We found a somatic GNA11 missense mutation (c.547C > T; p.Arg183Cys) in 3 patients with a diffuse capillary malformation of an extremity. Mutant allelic frequencies ranged from 0.3 to 5.0%. GNA11 or GNA14 mutations were not found in 5 affected tissues or in unaffected tissues (white blood cell DNA)., Conculsions: GNA11 mutations are associated with extremity capillary malformations causing overgrowth. Pharmacotherapy that affects GNA11 signaling may prevent the progression of capillary malformations.

Although capillary malformations (CMs) are not usually serious health problems in themselves, they can occasionally be warning signs for syndromes with more serious or aggressive vascular malformations not readily apparent at birth or on initial examination. We describe a series of 9 patients with a common phenotype: (1) CM on the fingertips; (2) associated combined vascular (lymphatic-venous) malformations on the trunk and/or extremities; and (3) in some cases, partial overgrowth and asymmetry of the extremities. Data were collected retrospectively for patients with CM on the fingertips who were treated at 2 Vascular Anomalies Centers from January 2006 to January 2016. All the patients presented CM and other associated vascular abnormalities from birth. CMs were centripetal in their distribution. The greater the centripetal progression of the CM, the greater the associated vascular malformation observed. Some patients also presented varying degrees of overgrowth and asymmetry. At present, we have not found a patient with CM of the fingertip without associated anomalies. In conclusion, we present a series of patients with a particular morphology of CM located on the fingertips. All cases were associated with lymphatic-venous malformations at other sites. These data lead us to recommend these patients be referred from birth to a multidisciplinary unit of vascular anomalies., Competing Interests: POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2017 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Objectives: The RASopathies are a group of syndromes that have in common germline mutations in genes that encode components of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and have been a focus of study to understand the role of this pathway in development and disease. These syndromes include Noonan syndrome (NS), Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (NSML or LEOPARD syndrome), neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), Costello syndrome (CS), cardio-facio-cutaneous (CFC) syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1-like syndrome (NFLS or Legius syndrome) and capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM-AVM). These disorders affect multiple systems, including the craniofacial complex. Although the craniofacial features have been well described and can aid in clinical diagnosis, the dental phenotypes have not been analysed in detail for each of the RASopathies. In this review, we summarize the clinical features of the RASopathies, highlighting the reported craniofacial and dental findings., Methods: Review of the literature., Results: Each of the RASopathies reviewed, caused by mutations in genes that encode different proteins in the Ras pathway, have unique and overlapping craniofacial and dental characteristics., Conclusions: Careful description of craniofacial and dental features of the RASopathies can provide information for dental clinicians treating these individuals and can also give insight into the role of Ras signalling in craniofacial development., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Deletions within chromosome region 5q14.3q15 have been associated with a spectrum of disorders including developmental delay, hypotonia, absent speech, mild facial dysmorphism, seizures, and brain anomalies. Some cases of concomitant neurologic abnormalities and cutaneous vascular malformation associated with 5q14.3 deletion have been reported. Previously reported cases had similar features, including multiple capillary malformations, and neurologic abnormalities, including epilepsy, hypotonia, and developmental delay. We report a case of 5q14.3 neurocutaneous syndrome presenting with multiple capillary malformations, neurologic abnormalities, and microdeletion in chromosome 5q14.3., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

We present case reports of 2 pediatric patients who were both found to have pial arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) with subsequent genetic analysis revealing mutations in the RASA1 gene. Considering their family history of distinct cutaneous lesions, these mutations were likely inherited as opposed to de novo mutations. Patient 1 had large capillary malformations on the left side of the face and neck, associated with macrocephaly, and presented at the age of 32 months with speech delay, right-sided weakness, and focal seizures involving the right side of the body. Patient 2 presented with proptosis at the age of 9 months, but was otherwise neurologically intact. Given the chance for definitive single-stage control of vascular shunt (obviating chances for radiation exposure with endovascular treatment) and surgically accessible location of these intracranial lesions, both patients were treated with surgery with excellent clinical and radiological outcome. In general, given the high mortality secondary to severe congestive heart failure when treated conservatively, the goal of treatment in cortical AVF in young children, even when asymptomatic, is rapid control of the shunt. This was achieved successfully in our cases - both patients experienced significant symptomatic improvement following surgery and remained neurologically stable in the subsequent follow-up visits., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Vascular stains are a common reason for consultation in pediatric dermatology clinics. Although vascular stains include all vascular malformations, the term is most often used to refer to capillary malformations, but capillary malformations include a wide range of vascular stains with different clinical features, prognoses, and associated findings. The discovery of several mutations in various capillary malformations and associated syndromes has reinforced these differences, but clinical recognition of these different types of capillary vascular stains is sometimes difficult, and the multitude of classifications and confusing nomenclature often hamper the correct diagnosis and management. From our own experience and a review of the most relevant literature on this topic, we propose categorizing patients with capillary vascular stains into seven major clinical patterns: nevus simplex, port-wine stain, reticulated capillary malformation, geographic capillary malformation, capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM), cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita, and telangiectasia. We also discuss the differential diagnosis of vascular stains as well as other conditions that can closely resemble capillary malformations and thus may potentially be misdiagnosed., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

We describe two brothers from a consanguineous family of Egyptian ancestry, presenting with microcephaly, apparent global developmental delay, seizures, spasticity, congenital blindness, and multiple cutaneous capillary malformations. Through exome sequencing, we uncovered a homozygous missense variant in STAMBP (p.K303R) in the two siblings, inherited from heterozygous carrier parents. Mutations in STAMBP are known to cause microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MIC-CAP) and the phenotype in this family is consistent with this diagnosis. We compared the findings in the present brothers with those of earlier reported patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Patients with extensive lymphatic malformations associated with tissue overgrowth syndromes (such as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and CLOVES) often pose a therapeutic challenge for physicians. In recent years, it has been suggested that oral sildenafil therapy might be used to treat congenital lymphatic malformations. However, this possible new therapy has not yet been used in patients with lymphatic malformations associated with tissue overgrowth syndromes. A 30-year-old man with extensive capillary-lymphatic malformations of the right leg and thorax, and a tissue overgrowth syndrome caused by a somatic mutation in the PIK3CA gene, was treated with oral sildenafil due to symptoms of pain, dyspnea, and functional impairment. Several weeks after the start of the treatment, the patient reported softening of the lymphatic malformation and a significant improvement of his symptoms and physical condition. So far, sildenafil is still considered a last resort in the treatment of complex treatment-resistant lymphatic malformations. With this case report, we demonstrate that sildenafil could also be an alternative treatment option for lymphatic malformations in patients with syndromes belonging to the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

We report dermoscopic characteristics of cutaneous capillary malformations in four patients with capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome. We observed a mixed vascular and pigmentary pattern with branched linear vessels and an underlying homogeneous brown background. Disappearance of the vascular pattern on pressure revealed an underlying faint pigmentary reticular pattern. Our results suggest that this typical biphasic pattern on dermoscopy may be useful for the diagnosis of CM-AVM syndrome., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma is a congenital soft tissue tumor, which is difficult to excise completely and rather prone to recur. This atypical tumor combined with capillary-lymphatic-venous malformation was not reported in the literature., Case Presentation: We report an atypical case of a 16-year-old teenager who was born with a mass in his right upper limb. Since there is a recurrence after excision for several times and had a serious impact on daily life, we chose amputation. After the surgery, the patient gained a functional recovery. Two years after the surgery, he had no tumor recurrence., Conclusions: For this rare tumor with repeated recurrences and significant impact on daily life, we suggest performing amputation at the early stage.

Germline mutations in RASA1 are associated with capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome. CM-AVM syndrome is characterized by multi-focal capillary malformations and arteriovenous malformations. Lymphatic anomalies have been proposed as part of the phenotype. Intrafamilial variability has been reported, suggesting modifiers and somatic events. The objective of the study was to identify somatic RASA1 "second hits" from vascular malformations associated with CM-AVM syndrome, and describe phenotypic variability. Participants were examined and phenotyped. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood on all participants. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on the proband. Using Sanger sequencing, RASA1 exon 8 was PCR-amplified to track the c.1248T>G, p.Tyr416X germline variant through the family. A skin biopsy of a capillary malformation from the proband's mother was also obtained, and next-generation sequencing was performed on DNA from the affected tissue. A familial germline heterozygous novel pathogenic RASA1 variant, c.1248T>G (p.Tyr416X), was identified in the proband and her mother. The proband had capillary malformations, chylothorax, lymphedema, and overgrowth, while her affected mother had only isolated capillary malformations. Sequence analysis of DNA extracted from a skin biopsy of a capillary malformation of the affected mother showed a second RASA1 somatic mutation (c.2245C>T, p.Arg749X). These results and the extreme variable expressivity support the hypothesis that somatic "second hits" are required for the development of vascular anomalies associated with CM-AVM syndrome. In addition, the phenotypes of the affected individuals further clarify that lymphatic manifestations are also part of the phenotypic spectrum of RASA1-related disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

There are only 8 published cases of symplastic hemangioma (SH), a relatively recently described, distinct benign entity characterized by pleomorphic vascular smooth muscle and interstitial cells in a pre-existing, long-standing vascular lesion. Seven of these cases were of SH in cutaneous locations, and 1 case was described in the mediastinum. We report the case of the 12-year-old girl with a nasopharyngeal tumor mass with prominent symplastic changes arising in the background of a combined capillary arteriovenous malformation. After critical analysis of all published cases of SH, it is clear that these lesions commonly represent capillary arteriovenous malformations (CAVM) with ancient/symplastic changes according to current terminology proposed in the classification required by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA). This is the first such lesion reported in a mucosal location and presenting in the pediatric age group. CAVM with ancient/symplastic change follows a benign clinical course, but it can simulate a malignant vascular tumor.

Purpose and Background: We describe three paediatric cases with different intracranial fast-flow shunts presenting early in life, all with capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome and RASA1 verified mutations. Intracranial arteriovenous fast-flow shunts are rare vascular malformations typically presenting early in life and have been associated with cutaneous capillary malformations, characterized as capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome. Heterozygous RASA1 gene mutations have been found to be disease causing with high penetrance for the typical cutaneous findings, but only some individuals with the syndrome have intracranial lesions., Cases: One infant presented with a vein of Galen malformation responsible for hydrodynamic disorders, one neonate suffered from severe cardiac insufficiency related to a superior sagittal sinus dural malformation with high-flow fistulas, and one baby was treated at infant age of a choroidal arteriovenous fistula discovered antenatally., Results and Conclusions: We report the follow-up of these three cases with RASA1 gene mutation and comment on the possible role of evaluation for vascular lesions and capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome in patients and their families, with intracranial fast-flow shunts.

Multifocal capillary malformation (CM) is the cardinal feature of patients with RASA1 mutations. These CMs are 'red flags', signalling the possible association with an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We report an 8-year-old boy who presented with > 20 CMs, who was found to have a novel mutation in the RASA1 gene. Radiological screening of children with RASA1 mutations is not standardized, and we elected to carry out baseline magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and spine in our case, which gave normal results. We discuss the recent literature and our approach in the management of such a case., (© 2015 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Association of Dermatologists, North American Clinical Dermatologic Society and St Johns Dermatological Society.)

Background: A somatic mutation in GNAQ (c.548G>A; p.R183Q), encoding Gαq, has been found in syndromic and sporadic capillary malformation tissue. However, the specific cell type containing the mutation is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine which cells in capillary malformations have the GNAQ mutation., Methods: Human capillary malformation tissue was obtained from 13 patients during a clinically indicated procedure. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, capable of detecting mutant allelic frequencies as low as 0.1 percent, was used to quantify the abundance of GNAQ mutant cells in capillary malformation tissue. Six specimens were fractionated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting into hematopoietic, endothelial, perivascular, and stromal cells. The frequency of GNAQ mutant cells in these populations was quantified by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction., Results: Eight capillary malformations contained GNAQ p.R183Q mutant cells, two lesions had novel GNAQ mutations (p.R183L and p.R183G), and three capillary malformations did not have a detectable GNAQ p.R183 mutation. Mutant allelic frequencies ranged from 2 to 11 percent. Following fluorescence-activated cell sorting, the GNAQ mutation was found in the endothelial but not the platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β-positive cell population; mutant allelic frequencies were 3 to 43 percent., Conclusion: Endothelial cells in capillary malformations are enriched for GNAQ mutations and are likely responsible for the pathophysiology underlying capillary malformation.

Background: There are some nail abnormalities described in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)., Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between nail dystrophy (ND) and disease activity, accrued organ damage, capillaroscopic abnormalities, autoantibodies, and some markers of endothelial cell activation in patients with SLE., Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of SLE patients from a rheumatology clinic in a tertiary care hospital. Patients were allocated in groups, according to the presence or absence of ND. Demographics, clinical data, disease activity, accrued damage, serology, nailfold capillaroscopy characteristics, serum levels of anti-endothelial cell antibodies, and plasma levels of endothelin 1 were compared between groups. Disease activity was assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 index and accrued organ damage by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index., Results: Sixty-one patients were included; 50 patients (82%) were female. Thirty-two patients (52.5%) showed ND, and 29 did not. Besides a more frequent use of cyclophosphamide (46.9% vs 20.7%; P = 0.03) in the ND group, clinical features were similar. A greater organ damage was found in patients with ND (median Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology index = 0.5, minimum = 0, maximum = 6) than in patients without ND (0, 0, 3, respectively; P = 0.04); specifically, only the skin domain was associated with ND (P = 0.04). Onycholysis (40.6%) and longitudinal ridging (25%) were the most frequent nail changes. Nailfold capillaroscopy changes were more frequent in ND patients (40.6%) than in control subjects (13.8%) (P = 0.02). The most frequent nailfold capillaroscopy findings in the ND group were enlarged capillaries (40.6%) and microhemorrhages (12.5%). There was no association between ND and the autoantibody profile, plasma endothelin 1, or serum anti-endothelial cell antibodies., Conclusions: Nail dystrophy was associated with higher accrued organ damage and the presence of capillaroscopic abnormalities. This suggests that ND might be related to chronic microvascular damage.

The name capillary malformation has caused much confusion because it is presently used to designate numerous quite different disorders such as naevus flammeus, the salmon patch, the vascular naevus of the hereditary 'megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome' and the skin lesions of non-hereditary traits such as 'capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation' and 'microcephaly-capillary malformation'. To avoid such bewilderment, the present review describes the distinguishing clinical and genetic criteria of 20 different capillary malformations, and a specific name is given to all of them. The group of capillary naevi includes naevus flammeus, port-wine naevus of the Proteus type, port-wine naevus of the CLOVES type, naevus roseus, rhodoid naevus, cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita, congenital livedo reticularis, segmental angioma serpiginosum, naevus anaemicus, naevus vascularis mixtus and angiokeratoma circumscriptum. Capillary lesions that perhaps represent naevi are the mesotropic port-wine patch, Carter-Mirzaa macules, unilateral punctate telangiectasia and unilateral naevoid telangiectasia of the patchy type. Capillary malformations that do not represent naevi include X-linked angiokeratoma corporis diffusum (Fabry disease), autosomal dominant angiokeratoma corporis diffusum, hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, hereditary angioma serpiginosusm and the salmon patch. In this way, we are able to discriminate between various non-hereditary capillary naevi such as naevus roseus and the hereditary rhodoid naevus and several hereditary traits that do not represent naevi such as angiokeratoma corporis diffusum and hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia; between four different types of port-wine stains, three of them being lateralized and one being mesotropic; between cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita and congenital livedo reticularis; between telangiectatic naevi and the vasoconstrictive naevus anaemicus; and between two different types of angiokeratoma corporis diffusum. Finally, arguments are presented why the salmon patch ('stork bite', 'naevus simplex') cannot be categorized as a naevus., (© 2015 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.)

Introduction: The microcirculation supplies oxygen (O2) and nutrients to all cells with the red blood cell (RBC) acting as both a deliverer and sensor of O2. In sepsis, a proinflammatory disease with microvascular complications, small blood vessel alterations are associated with multi-organ dysfunction and poor septic patient outcome. We hypothesized that microvascular autoregulation-existing at three levels: over the entire capillary network, within a capillary and within the erythrocyte-was impaired during onset of sepsis. This study had three objectives: 1) measure capillary response time within hypoxic capillaries, 2) test the null hypothesis that RBC O2-dependent adenosine triphosphate (ATP) efflux was not altered by sepsis and 3) develop a framework of a pathophysiological model., Methods: This was an animal study, comparing sepsis with control, set in a university laboratory. Acute hypotensive sepsis was studied using cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) with a 6-hour end-point. Rat hindlimb skeletal muscle microcirculation was imaged, and capillary RBC supply rate (SR = RBC/s), RBC hemoglobin O2 saturation (SO2) and O2 supply rate (qO2 = pLO2/s) were quantified. Arterial NOx (nitrite + nitrate) and RBC O2-dependent ATP efflux were measured using a nitric oxide (NO) analyzer and gas exchanger, respectively., Results: Sepsis increased capillary stopped-flow (p = 0.001) and increased plasma lactate (p < 0.001). Increased plasma NOx (p < 0.001) was related to increased capillary RBC supply rate (p = 0.027). Analysis of 30-second SR-SO2-qO2 profiles revealed a shift towards decreased (p < 0.05) O2 supply rates in some capillaries. Moreover, we detected a three- to fourfold increase (p < 0.05) in capillary response time within hypoxic capillaries (capillary flow states where RBC SO2 < 20 %). Additionally, sepsis decreased the erythrocyte's ability to respond to hypoxic environments, as normalized RBC O2-dependent ATP efflux decreased by 62.5 % (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: Sepsis impaired microvascular autoregulation at both the individual capillary and erythrocyte level, seemingly uncoupling the RBC acting as an "O2 sensor" from microvascular autoregulation. Impaired microvascular autoregulation was manifested by increased capillary stopped-flow, increased capillary response time within hypoxic capillaries, decreased capillary O2 supply rate and decreased RBC O2-dependent ATP efflux. This loss of local microvascular control was partially off-set by increased capillary RBC supply rate, which correlated with increased plasma NOx.

RASA1 mutations have been shown to cause capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM). We describe a patient with CM-AVM and a fetus who presented with non-immune hydrops fetalis during the pregnancy. Sequencing revealed a novel RASA1 mutation in the RASGAP domain that results in a loss of function of p120-RasGap. This report expands our current genetic and clinical understanding of CM-AVM in pregnancy., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome is a rare angioproliferative disorder characterised by acroangiodermatitis associated with an underlying arteriovenous shunt. This condition should be differentiated from acroangiodermatitis of Mali classically described in association with chronic venous insufficiency. Patients with Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome typically present with lower leg pigmented macules, papules and plaques that can coalesce to form larger confluent patches of pigmentation. Recognition of Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome may be difficult or delayed as the cutaneous manifestations may resemble a variety of other dermatological conditions. Most commonly, acroangiodermatitis may be confused with Kaposi's sarcoma and the condition is often referred to as 'Pseudo-Kaposi's sarcoma'. Acroangiodermatitis may also resemble or coexist with pigmentation of chronic venous insufficiency. As seen in this report, acroangiodermatitis may also be clinically confused with the 'cavernous' form of a capillary malformation. Here, we describe five patients with Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome. In one female and two male patients the diagnosis was delayed as the acroangiodermatitis closely resembled other conditions. All underlying arterio-venous communications were initially diagnosed on duplex ultrasound and confirmed with magnetic resonance angiography. Four patients were found to have a congenital arterio-venous malformation while one was diagnosed with a post-thrombotic arterio-venous fistula. Management included observation and intervention using a variety of techniques including percutaneous or trans-catheter embolisation, endovenous laser, radiofrequency ablation and foam ultrasound guided sclerotherapy. This case series highlights the challenges involved in the diagnosis and management of Stewart-Bluefarb syndrome. Given the local and systemic sequelae of high flow shunts, correct diagnosis and early detection of the underlying arterio-venous abnormality is crucial in the long-term management of these patients and in preventing the associated complications., (© The Author(s) 2014.)

Results of surgical treatment of 37 patients for the head and neck capillary malformations were analyzed. Optimal surgical tactics, depending on the malformation form and localization, was proposed. Restitution of the tissues defect after excision of malformation, using the flaps transposition, have permitted to achieve good esthetic results.

We present the case of a boy born with a large macular, segmental vascular anomaly over the left face, initially diagnosed as a capillary malformation (port-wine stain) by the postnatal paediatric team. The vascular anomaly in the face then grew rapidly during the first few weeks of life and started to occlude the left eye, causing parental concerns about the infant's vision. A dermatological opinion established that the lesion was a segmental infantile haemangioma (IH). This, in combination with the posterior fossa malformation previously detected on antenatal scanning and confirmed by an MRI postnatally, satisfied the criteria for Posterior fossa abnormalities, Haemangiomas, Arterial abnormalities, Cardiac abnormalities and Eye abnormalities (PHACE) syndrome: a rare cutaneous neurovascular syndrome. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by early phenotypes of haemangiomas as well as the importance of correctly diagnosing PHACE syndrome., (2015 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.)

Microcephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MIC-CAP syndrome) is a newly recognized autosomal recessive congenital neurocutaneous central nervous system disorder characterized by severe microcephaly, early-onset seizures, profound psychomotor disability, and multiple cutaneous capillary lesions. In addition, affected patients have variable dysmorphic facial features and hypoplastic distal phalanges. It is distinctively caused by mutations in a newly characterized gene, STAMBP, encoding the deubiquitinating (DUB) isopeptidase that has a key role in cell surface receptor-mediated endocytosis and sorting. Herein, we describe an Arab family of two siblings with classic features of MIC-CAP syndrome that harbor a novel predicted splice mutation in STAMBP, which additionally display previously unreported findings of congenital hypothyroidism and alopecia areata., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Activating germ-line and somatic mutations in AKT3 (OMIM 611223) are associated with megalencephaly-polymicrogyria-polydactyly-hydrocephalus syndrome (MPPH; OMIM # 615937) and megalencephaly-capillary malformation (MCAP; OMIM # 602501). Here we report an individual with megalencephaly, polymicrogyria, refractory epilepsy, hypoglycemia and a germline AKT3 mutation. At birth, head circumference was 43 cm (5 standard deviations above the mean). No organomegaly was present, but there was generalized hypotonia, joint and skin laxity, developmental delay and failure to thrive. At 6 months of age the patient developed infantile spasms that were resistant to antiepileptic polytherapy. Recurrent hypoglycemia was noted during treatment with adrenocorticotropic hormone but stabilized upon introduction of continuous, enriched feeding. The infantile spasms responded to the introduction of a ketogenic diet, but the hypoglycemia recurred until the diet was adjusted for increased resting energy expenditure. A novel, de novo AKT3 missense variant (exon 5; c.548T>A, p.(V183D)) was identified and shown to activate AKT3 by in vitro functional testing. We hypothesize that the sustained hypoglycemia in this patient is caused by increased glucose utilization due to activation of AKT3 signaling. This might explain the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in this individual., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We present a group of patients with regional capillary malformations of the upper limbs and few additional findings other than prominent veins. We believe that this entity is the upper extremity equivalent of capillary-venous malformation of the lower limb and, likewise, belongs at the minor end of the spectrum of vascular disorders with overgrowth., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Introduction: Megalencephaly capillary malformation (MCAP) is a syndrome involving brain overgrowth, characterized by megalencephaly, capillary malformations, asymmetric growth, polymicrogyria, polydactyly, and syndactyly. Cerebellar tonsillar herniation (CTH) and ventriculomegaly are also observed in over half the patients with this syndrome. Early sudden death has been reported in MCAP, but its causes and the surgical strategies for its prevention remain unclear., Case Report: Here, we report on a patient with MCAP who died suddenly at 5 months of age. He presented with progressive macrocephaly and hypotonia. MRI performed at 4 months of age showed tight posterior fossa, bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria, enlargement of the straight sinus, and a thickened corpus callosum. However, since the patient did not exhibit capillary malformation, polydactyly, or syndactyly, a definitive diagnosis of MCAP could not be made. He died suddenly while asleep at home 1 month later. The sudden death of MCAP patients was previously attributed to CTH, convulsion, or arrhythmia. In this case, progressive cerebellar enlargement appeared to be the underlying cause. After the patient's death, using his preserved DNA, a missense mutation in the AKT3 gene was identified. Vakt murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue (AKT) is a serine-threonine kinase that functions in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and plays an important role in cell proliferation., Conclusion: Accurate early diagnosis, including imaging and genetic analyses, and the recognition and treatment of critical conditions are required to prevent the sudden death of patients with MCAP.

Background: Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome is associated with multifocal small CMs and a high risk for high-flow lesions. It is an autosomal dominant disorder, caused by RASA1 gene mutations. Recently, two novel clinical features have been identified: numerous small pale halos with central punctate red spots, and naevus anemicus., Objectives: To identify the prevalence of the new clinical manifestations in our patients with CM-AVM. The secondary objective was to investigate the presence of other skin lesions., Methods: We retrospectively searched the picture database of our department for cases with a clinical diagnosis of CM-AVM, based on the identification of multiple cutaneous CMs and a negative history of epistaxis. We prospectively conducted a clinical and dermoscopic skin examination in all of these patients., Results: Seven patients with multiple CMs were found, and only in one case was a cutaneous AVM present. Five patients had red punctate spots surrounded by pale halos on the upper limbs. Two adult patients also showed multiple telangiectasias on the neck and upper trunk. Naevus anemicus was not detected in any patient. A partial or total absence of vellous hair on the surface of CMs was observed in all patients., Conclusions: Red punctate spots with pale halos or small telangiectasias are frequent findings in CM-AVM syndrome. Hypotrichosis on the CMs suggests that RASA1 gene mutations could be involved in the hair follicle proliferation and cell cycle., (© 2014 British Association of Dermatologists.)

Background: Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is characterized by port-wine stains (PWS) affecting the face, eyes, and central nervous system. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is the standard treatment for PWS. Unfortunately, recurrence is frequent because of reformation and reperfusion of blood vessels., Objective: We sought to assess the clinical efficacy of topical rapamycin combined with PDL in PWS of patients with SWS., Methods: We conducted a phase II, randomized, double-blind, intraindividual placebo-controlled, clinical trial. We recruited 23 patients with SWS and facial PWS (12 women; median age 33 years, age range 17-65 years) from the University Clinic of Navarra, Spain. Four interventions were evaluated: placebo, PDL + placebo, rapamycin, and PDL + rapamycin. Clinical and histologic responses were evaluated using a chromatographic computerized system, spectrometry, and histologic analyses at 6, 12, and 18 weeks after the intervention., Results: PDL + rapamycin yielded the lowest digital photographic image score and the lowest percentage of vessels in histologic analysis, and showed a statistically significant improvement compared with the other interventions. The treatment was generally well tolerated., Limitations: PDL was only applied to the lateral parts of the PWS area., Conclusion: Topical rapamycin associated with PDL seems to be an effective treatment for PWS in patients with SWS., (Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in RASA1. Multifocal, small, round-to-oval, pinkish-to-red cutaneous capillary malformations are seen in more than 90% of people with RASA1 mutations. These RASA1-associated cutaneous capillary malformations (CMs) can accompany internal or cutaneous arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or arteriovenous fistula to constitute CM-AVM syndrome. The cutaneous capillary malformations in CM-AVM syndrome are unusual in that some lesions have high-flow characteristics (according to Doppler or a white halo). We describe the histopathologic and corresponding ultrasound and Doppler findings in a CM from a patient with clinical CM-AVM syndrome and show that an arterial component is not present in the dermis or the most superficial portions of the subcutaneous fat but that there is ultrasound evidence that an AVM resides in the underlying adipose tissue., (© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM-AVM) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by RASA1 mutations. The prevalence and phenotypic spectrum are unknown. Evaluation of patients with multiple CMs is challenging because associated AVMs can be life threatening. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of children presenting with features of CM-AVM to an academic pediatric dermatology practice. After institutional review board approval was received, a retrospective chart review was performed of patients presenting between 2009 and 2012 with features of CM-AVM. We report nine cases. Presenting symptoms ranged from extensive vascular stains and cardiac failure to CMs noted incidentally during routine skin examination. All demonstrated multiple CMs, two had Parkes Weber syndrome, and two had multiple infantile hemangiomas. Seven patients had family histories of multiple CMs; three had family histories of large, atypical CMs. Six had personal or family histories of AVMs. Genetic evaluation was recommended for all and was pursued by six families; four RASA1 mutations were identified, including one de novo. Consultations with neurology, cardiology, and orthopedics were recommended. Most patients (89%) have not required treatment to date. CM-AVM is an underrecognized condition with a wide clinical spectrum that often presents in childhood. Further evaluation may be indicated in patients with multiple CMs. This study is limited by its small and retrospective nature., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Capillary malformation (CM) can be a "red flag" for several syndromic vascular anomalies. We identified a subset of patients with diffuse CM and fetal pleural effusion and documented the type of CM, the etiology of the pleural effusion, the potential syndromic diagnosis, and outcome. Patients with a history of CM and fetal pleural effusion were identified by searching the database of patients evaluated at the Vascular Anomalies Center at Boston Children's Hospital. Standardized patient interviews and a retrospective review of records, photographs, and imaging studies were conducted. Five patients had diffuse CM and fetal pleural effusion. Two patients had macrocephaly-CM (M-CM), one had features of M-CM and CLOVES (congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and spinal/skeletal anomalies and/or scoliosis), and one had diffuse CM with overgrowth. The pleural fluid was chylous in four patients. One patient had thoracic lymphatic malformation. Recurrent effusion occurred in one patient coincident with pneumonia at age 11 years. Four patients had a history of reactive airway disease and episodic pulmonary infections. The diagnosis of vascular anomaly-overgrowth syndromes, particularly M-CM, should be considered in neonates with fetal pleural effusion., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) is an autosomal dominant blood vascular (BV) disorder characterized by CM and fast flow BV lesions. Inactivating mutations of the RASA1 gene are the cause of CM-AVM in most cases. RASA1 is a GTPase-activating protein that acts as a negative regulator of the Ras small GTP-binding protein. In addition, RASA1 performs Ras-independent functions in intracellular signal transduction. Whether CM-AVM results from loss of an ability of RASA1 to regulate Ras or loss of a Ras-independent function of RASA1 is unknown. To address this, we generated Rasa1 knockin mice with an R780Q point mutation that abrogates RASA1 catalytic activity specifically. Homozygous Rasa1(R780Q/R780Q) mice showed the same severe BV abnormalities as Rasa1-null mice and died midgestation. This finding indicates that BV abnormalities in CM-AVM develop as a result of loss of an ability of RASA1 to control Ras activation and not loss of a Ras-independent function of this molecule. More important, findings indicate that inhibition of Ras signaling is likely to represent an effective means of therapy for this disease., (Copyright © 2014 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) is a recently identified autosomal dominant disorder. Arteriovenous lesions have been reported in the brain, limbs, and face. We report a 7-year-old patient with CM-AVM with spinal AVM, which is a rarely reported association., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The popularity of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy continues to increase due to its relative safety, high skin coverage rate and ability to treat both vascular and pigmented lesions. An often-overlooked risk is the potential for IPL-induced ocular damage. The damage sustained can cause significant, persistent morbidity and can occur even with very limited IPL exposure to the eye., (© 2014 The Australasian College of Dermatologists.)

SUMMARY - The case presented describes the simultaneous occurrence of an unusually large anterior fontanellar bone with a syndrome of vascular malformation and overgrowth in a three-month-old child, which to our knowledge has not yet been reported. This combination may strengthen the arguments for a possible genetic contribution to the occurrence of supernumerary ossicles in the skull. Although of minor clinical importance, the shape and variations of these Wormian bones should be well-known to prevent misleading interpretations of imaging Results.