Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus (BRBN) Syndrome Is Caused by Somatic TEK (TIE2) Mutations.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (Bean syndrome) is a rare, severe disorder of unknown cause, characterized by numerous cutaneous and internal venous malformations; gastrointestinal lesions are pathognomonic. We discovered somatic mutations in TEK, the gene encoding TIE2, in 15 of 17 individuals with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. Somatic mutations were also identified in five of six individuals with sporadically occurring multifocal venous malformations. In contrast to common unifocal venous malformation, which is most often caused by the somatic L914F TIE2 mutation, multifocal forms are predominantly caused by double (cis) mutations, that is, two somatic mutations on the same allele of the gene. Mutations are identical in all lesions from a given individual. T1105N-T1106P is recurrent in blue rubber bleb nevus, whereas Y897C-R915C is recurrent in sporadically occurring multifocal venous malformation: both cause ligand-independent activation of TIE2, and increase survival, invasion, and colony formation when expressed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

PIK3CA-associated developmental disorders exhibit distinct classes of mutations with variable expression and tissue distribution.

Mosaicism is increasingly recognized as a cause of developmental disorders with the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS). Mosaic mutations of PIK3CA have been associated with the widest spectrum of phenotypes associated with overgrowth and vascular malformations. We performed targeted NGS using 2 independent deep-coverage methods that utilize molecular inversion probes and amplicon sequencing in a cohort of 241 samples from 181 individuals with brain and/or body overgrowth. We identified PIK3CA mutations in 60 individuals. Several other individuals (n = 12) were identified separately to have mutations in PIK3CA by clinical targeted-panel testing (n = 6), whole-exome sequencing (n = 5), or Sanger sequencing (n = 1). Based on the clinical and molecular features, this cohort segregated into three distinct groups: (a) severe focal overgrowth due to low-level but highly activating (hotspot) mutations, (b) predominantly brain overgrowth and less severe somatic overgrowth due to less-activating mutations, and (c) intermediate phenotypes (capillary malformations with overgrowth) with intermediately activating mutations. Sixteen of 29 PIK3CA mutations were novel. We also identified constitutional PIK3CA mutations in 10 patients. Our molecular data, combined with review of the literature, show that PIK3CA-related overgrowth disorders comprise a discontinuous spectrum of disorders that correlate with the severity and distribution of mutations.

Multifocal Lymphangioendotheliomatosis with Thrombocytopenia: Presentation of Two Cases Treated with Sirolimus.

Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia (MLT) is a rare disease characterized by congenital and progressive vascular lesions of the skin and gastrointestinal tract that may be associated with thrombocytopenia and possibly life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Reports published on the disease and treatment strategies are scarce. We present two cases of MLT treated with sirolimus.

Isolated plexiform neurofibroma mimicking a vascular lesion.

Plexiform neurofibromas are benign tumors originating from peripheral nerve sheaths, generally associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). They are diffuse, painful and sometimes locally invasive, generating cosmetic problems. This report discusses an adolescent patient who presented with an isolated, giant plexiform neurofibroma on her leg that was confused with a vascular lesion due to its clinical aspects. Once the diagnosis was confirmed by surgical biopsy, excision of the lesion was performed with improvement of the symptoms.

Isolated plexiform neurofibroma mimicking a vascular lesion

Abstract Plexiform neurofibromas are benign tumors originating from peripheral nerve sheaths, generally associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). They are diffuse, painful and sometimes locally invasive, generating cosmetic problems. This report discusses an adolescent patient who presented with an isolated, giant plexiform neurofibroma on her leg that was confused with a vascular lesion due to its clinical aspects. Once the diagnosis was confirmed by surgical biopsy, excision of the lesion was performed with improvement of the symptoms.

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.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus: a report of four cases.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is a very rare disease, clinically characterized by skin lesions that resemble those of subacute or discoid lupus erythematosus and/or congenital heart block. Generally, when patients have skin manifestations, they have no cardiac defects and vice-versa; however, in 10% of cases these manifestations may coexist. Other findings may include hematologic, hepatic and neurological abnormalities. This condition is caused by the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies against Ro (95%), La and, less frequently, U1-ribonucleoprotein (U1-RNP). The present case report describes four patients with clinical, histopathological and immunological findings compatible with neonatal lupus erythematosus, their treatment and progress.

Lupus eritematoso neonatal: reporte de cuatro casos / Neonatal lupus erythematosus: a report of four cases

El lupus eritematoso neonatal es una enfermedad poco frecuente, caracterizada clínica mente por alteraciones cutáneas semejantes al lupus subagudo o discoide y/o bloqueo cardíaco congénito. Generalmente, cuando los pacientes presentan manifestaciones cutáneas, no tienen anormalidades cardiológicas y viceversa, aunque en un 10 por ciento de los casos ambas manifestaciones pueden coexistir. Puede acompañarse también de alteraciones hematológicas, hepáticas y neurológicas. Es causado por el pasaje trasplacentario de anticuerpos maternos anti Ro (95 por ciento), anti La y menos frecuentemente anti U1RNP. Presentamos cuatro pacientes con hallazgos clínicos, histopatológicos e inmunológicos compatibles con lupus eritematoso neonatal, su tratamiento y evolución.

Neonatal lupus erythematosus is a very rare disease, clinically characterized by skin lesions that resemble those of subacute or discoid lupus erythematosus and/or congenital heart block. Generally, when patients have skin manifestations, they have no cardiac defects and vice-versa; however, in 10 percent of cases these manifestations may coexist. Other findings may include hematologic, hepatic and neurological abnormalities. This condition is caused by the transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies against Ro (95 percent), La and, less frequently, U1-ribonucleoprotein (U1-RNP). The present case report describes four patients with clinical, histopathological and immunological findings compatible with neonatal lupus erythematosus, their treatment and progress.

Síndrome de DRESS: experiencia en un hospital pediátrico / DRESS syndrome: experience in a pediatric hospital

El síndrome de DRESS es una reacción grave de hipersensibilidad a drogas caracterizada por exantema, fiebre adenopatías, afectación de órganos internos y alteraciones hematológicas. Objetivos: 1. Describir las características clínicas y alteraciones de laboratorio de los pacientes con diagnóstico de síndrome de DRESS, evaluados en nuestro Servicio desde enero de 2004 hasta agosto de 2009. 2. Detallar los fármacos responsables del mismo. 3. Describir la evolución de estos pacientes así como también los tratamientos instaurados. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 14 pacientes. El 71% presentó fiebre como primer signo clínico, el exantema se encontró en el 100%, el edema de cara en el 57% y el 71% desarrolló hepatitis durante la internación. La eosinofilia fue hallada en el 79% de los pacientes y un 43% presentó linfocitos atípicos. Los anticonvulsivantes fueron los fármacos responsables más frecuentes. Todos los pacientes recibieron antihistamínicos. El 71% recibió, además, corticoides sistémicos, mientras que la gammaglobulina fue indicada en el 21% de los pacientes en forma concomitante con los corticoides. Conclusiones: Observamos que el rash, la fiebre y el edema de cara constituyen signos clínicos primarios en esta patología, por lo cual ente un paciente con estas características sumado al antecedente de ingesta de un fármaco sospechoso se deberá buscar compromiso de órganos internos para descartar síndrome de DRESS.

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.

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)