Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome

Klippel Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is a very rare congenital vascular anomaly that affects the veins, skin and bone. There are some visible signs of this syndrome. Port wine stain birth marks, abnormal growth of limbs, and skin infections are all indications that the disease is present. You don’t have to have all of these symptoms to have KTS, even just one is an indicator of the condition.

The Port Wine Stains, made up of abnormal blood vessels, usually cover a large portion of the limb that is affected by the disease. This birthmark can be raised and bleed easily. The color of the birthmark can be purplish or dark pink. For those with KTS, the birthmarks tends to spread from the hip down the leg. It can occur either in a large, unbroken pattern, or in small patches over a large space.

Cellulitis is common on the affected limb due to the compromised blood vessels. This is a bacterial infection of the skin which can be dangerous if not contained and treated with antibiotics.

The enlarged limb (hypertrophy) or shrunk limb (atrophy) are found on the lower part of the body in over 90% of the patients. Some patient’s limbs can grow very large resulting in pain and restricted movement. This extreme growth can be very painful during the teenage years.

There are no known causes of KTS. It is speculated that genetics plays a role since patients are born with the disease. Also, there is no cure. It is a lifelong condition that needs to be managed, normally with several different types of physicians.

Treatments for KTS patients

• Laser therapy is available to lighten the port wine stain birth marks
• Compression clothing can be used to support insufficient veins
• Iron supplements for anemia
• Sclerosing therapy, of which the veins are destroyed, can be effective
• Antibiotics and pain medications are used to combat cellulitis

The physical health of someone living with KTS is important, but so is the individual’s mental wellbeing in facing the difficulties of the condition. Reach out to the many communities online that can offer emotional support for you or your family member with KTS. Be sure to continue working with your family physician, along with a vein specialist to help maintain a pain-free and healthy life.

Dr. Joseph Magnant, M.D. in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs Vein Specialist can help. With offices at two convenient locations – 1510 Royal Palm Square Blvd. Suite 101 Fort Myers, Florida 33919 or 3359 Woods Edge Circle Suite 102 Bonita Springs, Florida 34134.