RASA1 mutations and associated phenotypes in 68 families with capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation.

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) is an autosomal-dominant disorder, caused by heterozygous RASA1 mutations, and manifesting multifocal CMs and high risk for fast-flow lesions. A limited number of patients have been reported, raising the question of the phenotypic borders. We identified new patients with a clinical diagnosis of CM-AVM, and patients with overlapping phenotypes. RASA1 was screened in 261 index patients with: CM-AVM (n = 100), common CM(s) (port-wine stain; n = 100), Sturge-Weber syndrome (n = 37), or isolated AVM(s) (n = 24). Fifty-eight distinct RASA1 mutations (43 novel) were identified in 68 index patients with CM-AVM and none in patients with other phenotypes. A novel clinical feature was identified: cutaneous zones of numerous small white pale halos with a central red spot. An additional question addressed in this study was the "second-hit" hypothesis as a pathophysiological mechanism for CM-AVM. One tissue from a patient with a germline RASA1 mutation was available. The analysis of the tissue showed loss of the wild-type RASA1 allele. In conclusion, mutations in RASA1 underscore the specific CM-AVM phenotype and the clinical diagnosis is based on identifying the characteristic CMs. The high incidence of fast-flow lesions warrants careful clinical and radiologic examination, and regular follow-up.

An update on lasers in children.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A variety of new indications for laser treatment have been raised in the dermatology field recently. They offer significant opportunities to manage a large spectrum of conditions in the pediatric population. Therefore, it is necessary to know the current trends and limitations of their use for the treatment of pigmented and vascular lesions. RECENT FINDINGS: The pulsed dye laser for port wine stain treatment remains the gold standard. However, pulsed dye laser-resistant port wine stain constitutes a difficult management problem. New therapeutic modalities such as photodynamic therapy and the application of different topical angiogenesis inhibitors promise better results in avoiding port wine stain redarkening. The potential systemic effects also require further study. Traditionally, the Q-switched pigmented laser has been used for pigmented lesions. However, the 1550 nm wavelength erbium-doped fiber laser could be a new modality of treatment for Becker's nevus. SUMMARY: Since the development of the first laser in 1960, dermatology and dermatologic surgery have rapidly evolved over the last two decades, thanks to the numerous technological and scientific acquisitions focused on improvement in the treatment of skin conditions. A large spectrum of vascular and pigmented lesions and other conditions such as chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis and eczema, keloids and hypertrichosis, are now managed safely with laser treatment.

Parkes Weber syndrome, vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, and other fast-flow vascular anomalies are caused by RASA1 mutations.

Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) is a newly recognized autosomal dominant disorder, caused by mutations in the RASA1 gene in six families. Here we report 42 novel RASA1 mutations and the associated phenotype in 44 families. The penetrance and de novo occurrence were high. All affected individuals presented multifocal capillary malformations (CMs), which represent the hallmark of the disorder. Importantly, one-third had fast-flow vascular lesions. Among them, we observed severe intracranial AVMs, including vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, which were symptomatic at birth or during infancy, extracranial AVM of the face and extremities, and Parkes Weber syndrome (PKWS), previously considered sporadic and nongenetic. These fast-flow lesions can be differed from the other two genetic AVMs seen in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and in phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) hamartomatous tumor syndrome. Finally, some CM-AVM patients had neural tumors reminiscent of neurofibromatosis type 1 or 2. This is the first extensive study on the phenotypes associated with RASA1 mutations, and unravels their wide heterogeneity.

[Diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding in Bean syndrome]. / Diagnóstico y tratamiento de hemorragia digestiva en síndrome de Bean (Blue Rubber-Bleb Nevus Syndrome).

Blue Rubber-Bleb Nevus Syndrome (BRBNS, Bean Syndrome) is a rare disorder characterized by the presence of cutaneous and visceral vascular malformations. Although it may affect several organs, the gastrointestinal tract is one of the most frequently involved sites. It can cause gastrointestinal bleeding and chronic anemia. We report an 8-years-old girl who was admitted because of cutaneous malformations and anemia suspected to be caused by gastrointestinal bleeding. Cutaneous lesions were compatible with Blue Rubber-Bleb Nevus Syndrome. Vascular malformations were confirmed by diagnostic gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy and further therapeutical intervention was planned. We performed banding of 2 lesions located in the stomach and sclerotherapy of a duodenal lesion. Six colonic lesions were treated with banding and three other polypoid lesions were endoscopically resected A combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach was performed for evaluation and treatment of small-bowel lesions. Eighteen lesions were found. We endoscopically resected 8 polipoid lesions. Eight other large transmural lesions were removed by wedge resection. Only one lesion required termino-terminal anastomosis. We consider that endoscopic treatment and laparoscopically assisted enteroscopy are safe and effective options in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by vascular malformations.

Un caso de síndrome de Adams-Oliver con venas congénitas, dilatadas y persistentes en el cuero cabelludo / A case of Adams-Oliver syndrome with congenital and persistent dilated veins in the scalp

El síndrome de Adams-Oliver es un desorden congénito raro, caracterizado por la presencia de aplasia cutis congénita y defectos terminales transversos de los miembros. Comunicamos el caso de una niña de 4 años de edad con síndrome de Adams-Oliver que presenta venas congénitas, tortuosas y dilatadas en el cuero cabelludo, aplasia cutis congénita con defectos parciales del hueso craneal subyacente, calcificaciones intracraneales y anomalías leves de los pies.

Adams-Oliver syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by aplasia cutis congenita and terminal transverse limb defects. We report a case of a 4-year-old girl with Adams-Oliver syndrome with congenital dilated and tortuous scalp veins, aplasia cutis congenita with partial underlying skull defects, intracranial calcifications, and mild foot anomalies.

Tratamiento con vincristina de tres tumores vasculares con fenómeno de Kasabach-Merritt / Vincristine treatment of three vascular tumors with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon

El fenómeno de Kasabach-Merrit (FKM) es una coagulopatía por consumo que se presenta en las primeras semanas de la vida. Se caracteriza por presentar coagulopatía por consumo, con trombocitopenia y anemia hemolítica microangiopática, asociado a un tumor vascular. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar tres pacientes con tumores vasculares que manifestaron FKM y fueron tratados con vincristina como droga de segunda línea, atendidos en el Servicio de Dermatología del Hospital de Pediatría J. P. Garrahan. Dos pacientes presentaron el tumor al nacimiento y otro a partir de los dos meses de vida. Dos fueron niñas y uno varón.Todos los pacientes tenían una trombocitopenia severa (3 000/mm_), bajos niveles de fibrinógeno y dimero D elevado. Los tumores estaban localizados en región proximal de miembro inferior, tronco y miembro superior, y región cervical. Ninguno de nuestros pacientes tuvo compromiso de órganos internos. El diagnóstico histológico en dos de ellos fue de hemangioendotelioma kaposiforme (HEK). Los corticoides fueron el tratamiento de primera linea: metilprednisona 3mg/kg/día por vía oral. En un paciente el tumor continuó creciendo a pesar de haber asociado interferón alfa 2 a la corticoterapia y realizarle secundariamente una embolización. Dada la falta de respuesta clínica y hematológica, se decidió iniciar tratamiento con vincristina 1mg/m2/dosis/IV semanal. Todos los pacientes normalizaron los parámetros hematológicos, con franca mejoría clínica, dos pacientes a la quinta y otro a la sexta dosis de vincristina, con involución gradual del tamaño del tumor. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó complicaciones secundarias al tratamiento ni recidivas de su enfermedad a la fecha. La duración promedio de tratamiento fue de 35±6 días. Podemos concluir que el uso de vincristina es considerado en la actualidad una droga de segunda línea en el tratamiento de tumores vasculares con FKM (AU)

Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a consumptive coagulopathy that typicallly presents in the first few weeks of life. It is characterized by a triad of vascular tumor, thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy. We reviewed the clinical and hematologic data and response to therapeutic with vincristine in three patients who had a vascular tumor and KMP at the Dermatology Department of Hospital de Pediatría J. P. Garrahan.Tumors were present at birth in two patients and in one at two months old. Two were girls and one was a boy. All patients had severe thrombocytopenia (Lowest platelets count 3 000/mm_), consumption of fibrinogen and lower D-dimer levels.Tumors were localized on proximal lower limb, trunk and upper limb and cervical area. None of our patients had internal involvement. Histopathology finding in two of them was kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. First line of treatment was prednisolone 3-5mg/kg/day. In one patient the tumor size continued to increase in spite of simultaneous treatment with corticosteroid and interferon alfa-2a plus embolization. After corticosteroids treatment failure, correction of coagulopathy and tumor regression occurred in our three patients after 5 to 6 doses of vincristine 0.5-1mg/m_ IV weekly with almost complete tumor regression and correction of coagulopathy.The average duration of treatment was 35±6days. None of the patients developed complications due to this intervention nor experienced recurrence of the tumor.The use of vincristine is currently a second line treatment of vascular tumors with KMP (AU)

Nuestra experiencia con propranolol en el tratamiento de los hemangiomas / Our experience with propranolol in the treatment of hemangiomas

Introducción: Los hemangiomas son los tumores benignos más frecuentes de la infancia. La mayoría son lesiones tumorales localizadas, con bajo riesgo de complicaciones. Sin embargo, existe un grupo reducido de ellos (10 a 20%) que, durante la fase de crecimiento, puede ocasionar importante morbilidad, ya sea por ulceración, compromiso funcional por obstrucción de orificios naturales o porque producen una importante desfiguración cosmética. El tratamiento de primera línea para estos hemangiomas “complicados” son los corticoides sistémicos seguidos por vincristina o interferón alfa como drogas de segunda línea. El propranolol fue propuesto recientemente como una nueva opción terapéutica. Este trabajo describe nuestra experiencia en el tratamiento con propranolo de 33 pacientes con hemangiomas “complicados”, evaluados entre octubre de 2008 y octubre de 2009.Material y métodos: Fueron incluidos 33 pacientes (26 mujeres y 7 varones) con hemangiomas “complicados”, con edades entre 1 y 38 meses de vida. Se les administró propranolol oral a dosis de 2 mg/kg/día, dividido en 2-3 tomas. En todos los casos se obtuvo el consentimiento escrito de los padres. Al momento del ingreso en este protocolo fue realizada una evaluación clínica y cardiológica por un Pediatra y un Cardiólogo infantil. Durante el tratamiento se monitoreó la presión arterial y se hicieron electrocardiogramas repetidos. Resultados: Al inicio del tratamiento 27 pacientes eran menores de 1 año de vida, con edad media de 4,8 meses (rango: 1-11 meses). Los restantes 6 niños tenían 18, 20, 27, 36, 37 y 38 meses de edad. Treinta y uno de los 33 pacientes completaron el tratamiento, con una duración promedio de 4,5 meses (rango: 1 a 8 meses). Dos de ellos lo interrumpieron voluntariamente al no observar una respuesta significativa al mismo.

Introduction: Hemangiomas of infancy are the most common tumor of childhood. Although most children with hemangiomas have localized lesions with an uncomplicated course, a minority (10-20%) experience complications during the proliferative phase. Complications as ulceration, functional compromise due to obstruction of natural orifice or due to severe cosmetic desfigurement require treatment. The first line of treatment for these “complicated” hemangiomas is systemic corticosteroid and second line agents include vincristine or interferon alpha 2b. Propranolol was recently suggested as a therapeutic option for these hemangiomas. The present work reports our experience in the treatment of 33 patients with “complicated” hemangiomas with propranolol from October 2008 to October 2009. Materials and methods: Thirty-three patients (26 females and 7 males) with “complicated” hemangiomas, of 1 to 38 months of age, were included. Propranolol was given orally at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day, in 2-3 divided doses. In all cases informed consent was obtained from parents. At the moment of the inclusion in this protocol, a clinical and a cardiovascular evaluation was performed by a Pediatrician and a Pediatric Cardiologist. Electrocardiography and blood pressure were monitored during treatment. Results: Age at the beginning of treatment was less than 1 year old in 27 patients with an average age of 4.8 months (range: 1-11 months). The other 6 patients were 18, 20, 27, 36, 37 and 38 months old. Thirty-one of the 33 patients completed a 4.5 months average treatment (range: 1 to 8 months). Two of them voluntarily interrupted the treatment since they did not observe a significant response. Twenty-two patients showed quick response, with clinical evidence of regression during the first 2 weeks while the remaining 9 improved after 2 months of treatment. Just one patient showed an isolated episode of asymptomatic hypotension.

EMLA: un anestésico tópico útil en la infancia / EMLA: a topical anesthetic useful in infancy

La necesidad de contar con un anestésico tópico efectivo para efectuar pequeños procedimientos quirúrgicos en los niños nos llevó a ensayar la crema EMLA en 50 pacientes de 4 meses a 12 años de edad. Los procedimientos efectuados fueron curetaje de moluscos contagiosos (21 casos), biopsias (15 casos) y extirpación de nevos melanocíticos por afeitado (14 casos). La mayor efectividad de la anestesia la observamos luego de aplicaciones de 120 minutos, aunque aun así fue necesaria la anestesia complementaria para las biopsias. No observamos efectos colaterales indeseables, y los pacientes toleraron los procedimientos sin dolor en la mayor parte de los casos

Cutis laxa congénita: descripción de cuatro casos infantiles / Cutis laxa congenita: presentation of four pediatric cases

Cutis laxa es un trastorno del tejido conectivo, que se caracteriza por piel inelástica, que cuelga formando pliegues y otorga un aspecto de senilidad prematura, pudiéndose acompañar o no de compromiso sistémico. Puede ser congénita o adquirida. Dentro de las primeras se describen una forma autosómica dominante, una autosómica recesiva y una forma recesiva ligada al X. La forma adquirida se presenta secundariamente a fiebre, drogas como la penicilina o isoniazida, urticaria, eritema multiforme y mieloma múltiple. Se presentan cuatro pacientes (tres mujeres y un varón) atendidos en el Servicio de Dermatología entre febrero de 1997 y octubre de 1998, con cuadro clínico e histopatológico de cutis laxa congénito, todos con compromiso sistémico. En tres de ellos se comprobó compromiso cardíaco; en dos, compromiso respiratorio, y en dos, hernia umbilical. También encontramos cuerdas vocales laxas, disfagia, hiperlaxitud articular, retraso madurativo, hernia inguinal y ano anterior. Esta sería la primera publicación argentina de cutis laxa infantil