Blood Vessel Disorders

Home » Blood Vessel Disorders » Port-wine Stains

Overview

Port-wine stains (nevus flammeus) are malformations of tiny blood vessels that connect the veins to the arteries (capillaries) located in the upper levels of the skin. These irregularly shaped patches range in color from light pink to red to dark red-violet and may darken with age. Port-wine stains, usually located on the neck, face, and scalp, occur in about 0.5% of newborns.

More than one-third of infants are born with a pink patch at the nape of the neck or on the eyelids (called an "angel's kiss," "salmon patch," or "stork bite"). These are minor blood vessel dilations and are not true port-wine stains. Those located on the eyelids and forehead fade slowly and eventually disappear. Those at the base of the neck are often permanent.

Cause

The lesions are congenital, but the cause is unknown.

Signs and Symptoms

Port-wine stains are present at birth and vary in size and shape. They first appear pale pink in color and darken with time. The texture can change gradually from smooth to thickened and pebbled.

Diagnosis

Port-wine stains are diagnosed mainly by their appearance.

Infants with a port-wine stain that involves the upper and lower eyelids usually undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan or other type of brain scan. This can help the physician diagnose or exclude Sturge-Weber syndrome. Approximately 5% of infants with a port-wine stain on the eyelids are at risk for this condition, in which the lesion involves the trigeminal nerve, the eye, the meninges (thin membrances surrounding the brain), and the brain. Seizures occur in about 80% of those afflicted. Glaucoma, developmental delays, and partial paralysis are other aspects of Sturge-Weber syndrome.

An extensive port-wine stain on a limb can result in varicose veins and locally enlarged skin, tissues, and bones. This is a very rare condition called Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.

Treatment

Pulsed-dye laser offers safe and effective treatment for port-wine stains. Treatment success depends on the age at which it is begun and the location of the lesion. With multiple treatments, most port-wine stains can be significantly lightened. Topical, local, or general anesthesia can be administered before the procedure to minimize discomfort.

Prevention

If the child has Sturge-Weber syndrome, an ophthalmologist and neurologist should be consulted soon after the diagnosis to prevent glaucoma and seizures. For more information, contact the
Sturge-Weber Foundation
P.O. Box 418
Mount Freedom, New Jersey
07970-0418
phone: 1.800.627.5482
www.sturge-weber.com.

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Blood Vessel Disorders Resources

	Join Our Blood Vessel Disorders Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer