Imaging Findings of Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome:

Anticoagulation and vascular anomalies

A State of the Art lecture titled "Anticoagulation and Vascular Anomalies" was presented at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Congress in 2023. Vascular anomalies have been classified by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies into vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Although some vascular tumors, such as tufted angioma and kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, and other vascular malformations can present with coagulation aberrancies, these are not generally managed with anticoagulation. A subclassification of vascular malformations includes slow-flow vascular malformations. It is this subgroup specifically that has a high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and morbidity associated with coagulopathy that may be present. In these select cases, anticoagulation may be indicated to reduce the risk of VTE, treat VTE, or manage localized thrombosis in the malformation that causes significant pain and reduced quality of life. There are established risk factors for VTE in these patients that will be reviewed. Finally, we summarize relevant new data on this topic presented during the 2023 ISTH Congress.

Value of the short time inversion recovery sequence of magnetic resonance imaging in the staging of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome complicated with lymphedema

OBJECTIVE

Currently, the focus on limb lymphedema (LE) is on classification and staging. However, few scholars have conducted staging for Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome complicated LE (KTS-LE). This study aimed to investigate the value of the short time inversion recovery sequence of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the staging of KTS-LE.

METHODS

Forty-six patients who were diagnosed with KTS-LE were recruited for this retrospective study from July 2011 to November 2022. Referring to the clinical staging standard of lower extremity LE of the International Society of Lymphology in 2020, all patients were divided into three groups: stages I, II, and III. The MRI indicators of the three groups were recorded and statistically compared: LE range (unilateral bilateral, lower limbs, only thighs, only calves and ankles), abnormal parts (skin thickening, abnormal subcutaneous fat signal, abnormal muscle signal, muscle hypertrophy or contraction, abnormal bone signal, hyperostosis), and subcutaneous soft tissue signs (parallel line sign, grid sign, band sign, honeycomb sign, lymph lake sign, crescent sign, and nebula sign).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the honeycomb sign among the three periods (P = .028). There was a significant difference between stage II and stage I disease (P < .05). There was a significant difference between stage II and stage III disease (P < .05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the honeycomb sign in diagnosing KTS-LE of stage II were 87.5%, 63.2%, 33.3%, 96.0%, and 67.4%, respectively. In contrast, the other signs were not statistically significant among the three periods.

CONCLUSIONS

The short time inversion recovery sequence of MRI is of great value in KTS-LE. The honeycomb sign is an important imaging indicator for the diagnosis of stage II disease. It is necessary to evaluate the severity of edema with MRI for KTS-LE, which is very important for therapeutic options.

An overview of interventional radiology techniques for the diagnosis and management of vascular anomalies: Part 2

Minimally invasive percutaneous and endovascular strategies performed by interventional radiologists have become the mainstays of treatment for vascular anomalies with improved outcomes, decreased complication rates, and less morbidity. The aim of this article is to introduce physicians who care for patients with vascular anomalies to state-of-the-art advancements in interventional radiology for diagnosis and treatment. Part 2 of this review discusses embolization, endovenous laser ablation, and image-guided percutaneous biopsy. Please see Part 1 for a discussion of sclerotherapy and cryoablation. Select vascular anomalies will be discussed as examples to highlight IR diagnostic and/or treatment techniques.

Options in the treatment of superficial and deep venous disease in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital mixed mesenchymal malformation syndrome that includes varicose veins, capillary and venous malformations, lymphatic abnormalities, and hypertrophy of various connective tissue elements. The purpose of the present study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a subset of patients with KTS in whom venous interventions, including iliofemoral venous stenting, were performed after failure of conservative therapy.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective data review of 34 patients with KTS who had undergone interventions for venous disease between January 2000 and December 2020 was performed.

RESULTS

Their mean age was 38.4 ± 17.5 years (range, 12-80 years). No gender predilection was found. Of the 34 patients, 61% had had all three features of the classic triad for KTS. Varicose veins were present in all 34 patients (100%), and 30% had had a history of bleeding varicosities. Most patients (79%) had CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) class ≥C4. Of the 34 patients, 30% had a history of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. Factor VIII elevation was the most common thrombophilia condition (12%). The venous filling index was elevated at baseline (5.9 ± 5.1 mL/s) and did not normalize despite intervention (3.5 ± 2.3 mL/s; P = .04). The superficial venous interventions (n = 35) included endovenous laser therapy; stripping of the great saphenous vein, small saphenous vein, anterior thigh vein, or marginal vein; ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy; and stab avulsion of varicose veins. One coil embolization of a perforator vein was performed. Deep interventions (n = 19) included endovenous stenting (n = 15), popliteal vein release (n = 3), and valvuloplasty (n = 1). The venous clinical severity score had improved from 9.4 ± 4.5 to 6.2 ± 5.6 (P = .04). The visual analog scale for pain score had improved from 5.5 ± 2.7 to 2.5 ± 3.3 (P = .008). Healing of ulceration was noted in 75% of the patients. Significant improvements in the total pain (P = .04) and total psychological (P = .03) domains were noted in the 20-item chronic venous disease quality of life questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

Superficial and deep venous interventions are safe and effective in patients with KTS when conservative therapy has failed. Iliofemoral venous stenting is a newer option that should be considered in the treatment of chronic deep venous obstructive disease in patients with KTS in the appropriate clinical context. An aggressive perioperative deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis protocol should be in place to reduce thromboembolic complications in these patients.

A Rare Case of Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome

The Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare form of a birth disorder that includes capillary malformation, hypertrophy of bones and soft tissues, and tortuous varicosities, as well as hypertrophy of the capillaries resulting in hemangiomas and port wine discoloration. KTS is also known as angio-osteohypertrophy syndrome and dysplastic angiopathy. In this case report, we describe the case of a 13-year-old female with multiple superficial varicosities on the medial aspect of her left leg since birth. Computed tomography angiogram assessed and identified abnormal venous drainage in the lower limb. Klippel-Trénaunay-Weber syndrome (KTWS) differs from KTS in that KTWS involves arteriovenous malformations.

Coronary artery disease imaging reporting and data system (CAD-RADS): what radiologists need to know?

The aim of this work is to review Coronary Artery Disease Imaging Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) that was designed to standardize reporting language and improve the communication of data among radiologists and clinicians. Stenotic lesions are graded into 5 grades ranging from 0 (no stenosis) to 5 (total occlusion), where the highest grade represents the final score. The expert consensus platform has added 4 special modifiers (non-diagnostic, stent, graft, and vulnerability) to aid patient management through linking these scores with decision algorithm and treatment plan. Adherence to standard imaging protocol; knowledge of normal, variant, and anomalous anatomy; and skillful evaluation of stenosis are important for proper utilization of this reporting system. Lastly, radiologists should be aware of the inherited benefits, limitations, and common pitfalls of this classification system.

Case 289: PIK3CA-related Overgrowth Spectrum (PROS): CLOVES Syndrome and Coexisting Fibroadipose Vascular Anomaly

HISTORY

Part one of this case appeared 4 months previously and may contain larger images. An 8-year-old girl presented to our hospital with painful swelling of the left thigh and soft-tissue swelling in the right chest wall. The patient's history revealed that the swelling had been present since birth but had grown slowly. She had no history of relevant trauma. Her blood pressure was 145/95 mmHg (normal value, <115/76 mmHg), and her heart rate was 105 beats per minute (normal value, 75-118 beats per minute). The patient's electrocardiogram displayed sinus tachycardia. Physical examination revealed soft-tissue hypertrophy in the left thigh and right lower chest wall. A painful soft and flexible mass measuring approximately 5 × 6 × 15 cm (in the anteroposterior, transverse, and craniocaudal directions, respectively) was detected at the left thigh. Moreover, a painless soft mass measuring approximately 3 × 8 × 10 cm (in the anteroposterior, transverse, and craniocaudal directions, respectively) was detected in the right lower chest wall, and the overlying skin was intact. Pink macules with a 3-cm diameter on the anterior left superior thigh and a 2.5-cm diameter in the left inguinal region were detected. Examination of other systems, including the cardiovascular system, revealed normal findings. Laboratory test results were within normal limits. Abdominal US showed perirenal vascular collaterals, and musculoskeletal US of the left thigh revealed vascular collaterals (images not shown). Therefore, thoracoabdominal CT angiography and contrast material-enhanced MRI of the bilateral thigh were performed.

Deep vein thrombosis in the setting of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and sirolimus treatment

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a congenital vascular disorder characterized by the triad of cutaneous capillary malformation, lymphatic and venous anomalies, and soft tissue and bone overgrowth. Sirolimus is a mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitor used as an immunosuppressive drug. It has also been used to improve and treat vascular malformations that can predispose to intravascular coagulopathy. We have described the case of a patient with KTS receiving a therapeutic anticoagulation dose, for whom sirolimus was initiated, and who had presented with an extensive venous thromboembolism. Correlations between the use of sirolimus in patients with KTS are limited, and cautious use and monitoring could be necessary.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS): A report of two patients and review of literature

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is an uncommon congenital condition, resulting in vascular malformations affecting capillary, venous, and lymphatic systems and bone and/or soft tissue hypertrophy. Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) may be useful in assessing the severity of the disease and for treatment planning. We present two cases of two white men with the typical clinical presentation of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome i.e. vascular malformations (capillary, venous and lymphatic) and localized bone and/or soft tissues hypertrophy. Splenic hemangiomas were evidenced in both patients and MRA was helpful in assessing and delineating the abnormal venous drainage system. KTS is a complex disorder whose true prevalence and etiology are still unknown. In most cases the emblematic clinical manifestation consisting in vascular malformations and extremity overgrowth is represented. KTS may be associated with several different conditions including scoliosis and splenic hemangiomas. The presence of the lateral marginal vein (LMV) is pathognomonic. Imaging is fundamental in confirming the diagnosis and for therapeutic strategies. An effective treatment does not exist to date and a multidisciplinary approach is usually required to prevent complications.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome in a young patient with the involvement of gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts: an unusual and rare presentation

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare congenital disorder characterised by capillary and venous malformations and soft-tissue hypertrophy with or without lymphatic malformation. The involvement of the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary tract is uncommon in KTS. We present a case of a young adult who presented to us with bleeding per rectum and varicosities of the left lower limb. The patient was evaluated and diagnosed to have KTS. The patient was managed conservatively. To best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in literature where KTS was associated with atypical varicose veins of the left lower limb with mild hypertrophy of the lower limb, localised hypertrophy of the right gluteal region with involvement of pelvis, rectum, bladder and seminal vesicle.

Systemic and CNS manifestations of inherited cerebrovascular malformations

Cerebrovascular malformations occur in both sporadic and inherited patterns. This paper reviews imaging and clinical features of cerebrovascular malformations with a genetic basis. Genetic diseases such as familial cerebral cavernous malformations and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia often have manifestations in bone, skin, eyes, and visceral organs, which should be recognized. Genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying the inherited disorders are becoming better understood, and treatments are likely to follow. An interaction between the intestinal microbiome and formation of cerebral cavernous malformations has emerged, with possible treatment implications. Two-hit mechanisms are involved in these disorders, and additional triggering mechanisms are part of the development of malformations. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia encompasses a variety of vascular malformations, with widely varying risks, and a more recently recognized association with cortical malformations. Somatic mutations are implicated in the genesis of some sporadic malformations, which means that discoveries related to inherited disorders may aid treatment of sporadic cases. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge of these conditions, salient features regarding mechanisms of development, and treatment prospects.

Potential Utilization of Lymphoscintigraphy in Patients With Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome

PURPOSE

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) is a rare disease that was characterized by vascular malformation. Lymphatic malformation was also commonly associated with KTS. However, the application of lymphoscintigraphy in the management of patients with KTS was rarely described. The purpose of this study is to assess whether the findings of lymphoscintigraphy can aid the management of the patients with KTS.

METHODS

A total of 28 patients with known KTS who underwent Tc-dextran lymphoscintigraphy with lower extremity tracer injection were included in this retrospective analysis. The images from lymphoscintigraphy were reviewed for any abnormalities in the body with the attention on the region of left subclavian-jugular venous angle.

RESULTS

In addition to abnormal activity in the other regions, abnormal activity in the left subclavian-jugular venous angle was visualized in over half of the patients (53.6%, 15/28). Based on the findings of the lymphoscintigraphy, 7 patients with left subclavian-jugular venous angle activity underwent thoracic duct decompression. In 4 patients with postsurgery follow-up, 3 achieved significant, measurable symptomatic relief.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphoscintigraphy can be used to assess potential candidates for thoracic duct decompression to alleviate the symptoms in patients with KTS.

Imaging findings of pelvic venous insufficiency in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

OBJECTIVES

Some patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) demonstrate improved dysautonomic symptoms following treatment for pelvic venous insufficiency (PVI). This study assessed the prevalence of significant left common iliac vein (LCIV) compression in POTS patients.

METHODS

Radiologists retrospectively reviewed CT images of pelvic veins for 216 women (191 with POTS and 25 age-comparable controls).Quantitative vascular analysis identified percent-diameter compression of the LCIV by the right common iliac artery. Significant LCIV compression was defined as >50%.

RESULTS

Significant LCIV compression was found in 69% (131/191) of females with POTS versus 40% (10/25) in controls. The hypothesis that venous compression and presence of POTS are independent was rejected (p = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant LCIV compression was noted in a majority of female POTS patients, suggesting that incidence of iliac venous obstruction may be higher than the general population. Patients with POTS and symptoms of PVI may benefit from assessment for venous outflow obstruction.