Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome
What is it? | What are the symptoms? | How is it diagnosed? | What are possible complications? | How is it managed? | Contact us
What is Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome (KTS)?
Although Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome is a rare congenital (present at birth) disorder, it is the most common condition involving combined vascular malformations. The syndrome is characterized by a localized or diffuse capillary malformation (portwine stain) that overlies a venous malformation and/or lymphatic malformation with associated soft tissue and bone hypertrophy (excessive growth). The portwine stain is typically substantial, varicose veins are often quite numerous, and bone and soft tissue hypertrophy is variable. The affected limb is either larger or smaller than the unaffected limb. Hypertrophy occurs most commonly in the lower limbs, but may affect the arms, the face, the head or internal organs. Additionally, a wide range of other skeletal and skin abnormalities sometimes coexists (illustration 1).
Bony enlargement is usually not present at birth, but may appear within the first few months or years of life and may become particularly problematic during puberty. The affected area grows longer and thicker due to increased blood supply. Sometime after puberty and before age 30, the portwine stain develops small vesicles (blood-filled bubble-like lesions) that can bleed spontaneously.
In some patients, small lymphatic vesicles may appear. These vesicles may leak clear or blood-tinged fluid.
In young adults, the portwine stain may thicken and become more prominent.
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What symptoms are associated with Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome?
Symptoms vary according to the severity of the dominant vascular component and its location. If lymphatic malformations are dominant, soft tissue swelling and enlargement will occur. If venous malformations are dominant, episodes of painful thrombosis (clotting) will occur. This group of patients often experiences muscle cramping or joint pain when walking. When the lower gastrointestinal tract (intestines) is involved, rectal bleeding often occurs. When there is bladder involvement, blood is often seen in the urine.
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How is Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome diagnosed?
In many patients, a thorough medical history and physical examination are sufficient to make the diagnosis. When there are complications, however, a number of imaging studies are useful. Evaluation of the deep venous system can be done by Doppler ultrasonography (type of ultrasonography in which blood vessels are seen) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. MRI is also helpful in imaging the soft tissue hypertrophy.
Careful clinical and radiologic assessment of the affected limb should be done at regular intervals to assess limb length discrepancy and to formulate an approach for prevention and treatment of overgrowth. For lower-limb overgrowth beyond a 2-centimeter (bit less than 1 inch) differential, orthopaedic intervention may be necessary.
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What are the possible complications of Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome?
Patients with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome can have numerous complications. Skin changes can cause bleeding, infection (cellulitis), or chronic ulceration (skin breakdown). Patients can have internal lesions that bleed or become infected. Chronic pain is a serious issue secondary to the above issues. Venous varicosities may lead to phlebitis (inflammation of the lining of the vein) and the development of small clots and phleboliths (calcium deposits in the veins). Because of the venous and lymphatic involvement, patients can have clotting abnormalities. Blood clots in the legs and lungs can be life threatening.
Hypertrophy (overgrowth) of a limb can lead to curvature of the spine (vertebral scoliosis) and can affect how patients walk. Also, it can compromise function.
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How is Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome managed?
Management of Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome is dependent upon individual symptoms. Although both nonoperative and surgical approaches are used, treatment is primarily nonoperative and supportive.
Supportive care
- Compression therapy. Compression garments are often advised for chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, recurrent cellulitis, and recurrent bleeding. They also protect the limb from trauma. Intermittent pneumatic compression pumps also may be beneficial.
- Pain medication, antibiotics, and limb elevation. These treatments are all used to manage cellulitis.
- Anticoagulant therapy (the use of substances that prevent blood clotting). This approach is indicated in cases of acute thrombosis (clotting) and is also used as a preventive measure prior to surgical procedures.
- Heel inserts. These are sometimes used to manage limb length discrepancies that are less than 1 inch. For greater discrepancies, orthopaedic surgery may be considered.
Surgical interventions
- Laser therapy. The flashlamp pulsed-dye laser is not as effective in lightening the color of the portwine stain as it is in a patient with a portwine stain only. Many treatments are typically required to achieve a desirable result. Laser treatment is also indicated when there is ulceration, since it tends to effect quicker healing.
- Surgery. Depending on individual circumstances and anatomical involvement, removal of a problematic area of abnormal tissue (debulking surgery) is sometimes advised.
Other treatment
- Sclerotherapy. This treatment consists of the injection of a chemical into the vein causing inflammation. As the inner wall of the vein becomes inflamed, blood cannot flow through it. The vein then collapses and forms scar tissue.
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
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Rev. 12/04, 05/07
