Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome associated with consumption coagulopathy: treatment with interferon

Sirolimus for management of GI bleeding in blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: A case series

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) commonly presents with anemia from bleeding gastrointestinal (GI) vascular malformations. Management is highly variable, as no consensus guidelines for medical treatment currently exist. Sirolimus has been used in BRBNS to decrease GI bleeding and seems well tolerated, though questions remain regarding dosing, duration of therapy, and adverse effects. Here, we report our single-center experience of four pediatric patients with BRBNS who were successfully treated with sirolimus and review the existing literature regarding sirolimus for treatment of GI bleeding in BRBNS. Further prospective studies are needed to establish optimal dosage, drug monitoring, and duration.

Treatment of sirolimus in the pathological femoral fracture related to blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome: A case report

RATIONALE

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare condition with characteristic vascular malformations of the skin, most frequently lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system, and less often, the musculoskeletal system. We report a 5-year case of BRBNS complicated with pathological femoral fracture that was successfully treated with sirolimus.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report the case of a 1-week-old girl with a diagnosis of BRBNS who had multiple venous malformations over her body. She also presented with right lower-limb swelling and complicated with a pathological femoral fracture.

DIAGNOSES

BRBNS with the complication of pathological femoral fracture.

INTERVENTIONS

Treatment with low-dose sirolimus as an antiangiogenic agent was administered, combined with hip spica protection.

OUTCOMES

The vascular lesion was reduced after about 6 months and the fracture site had healed around 2.5 years after initiation of sirolimus therapy. There were no drug adverse effects at the 5-year follow-up point. The patient showed excellent spirit and no obvious sequelae were found.

LESSONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful use of sirolimus in a patient with a pathological femoral fracture related to BRBNS complications.

Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome Complicated by Enhanced-Fibrinolytic-Type DIC: A Case Report

A 54-year-old Japanese man was diagnosed with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) due to venodilation in the lower extremities at birth and gastrointestinal vascular malformations. He also had small bowel bleeding and enhanced-fibrinolytic-type disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Endoscopic sclerotherapy for intestinal hemangioma could not be performed because of bleeding concerns; instead, a combined anticoagulant and antifibrinolytic treatment was performed. Although combination treatment with unfractionated heparin and tranexamic acid proved ineffective for small bowel bleeding, combination treatment with apixaban and tranexamic acid dramatically improved enhanced-fibrinolytic-type DIC. In BRBNS, treatment strategies should be considered after performing detailed coagulation tests.

Syndromе associated with multiple venous malformations (Bean syndrome)

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) also called Bean's syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by mucocutaneous angiomatose multiple cutaneous venous malformations. Pathogenesis of the BRBNS is caused by the somatic mutations in angiopoietin receptor gene TEK. These mutations cause ligand-independent activation of the tyrosine kinase receptor and the PI3K / AKT pathway and involve the mTOR in the pathological process in a specific way. There are no universally effective methods for treating systemic forms of vascular malformations currently. However, recent numerous reports have shown the advantages of rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, as a well-tolerated and effective therapy in patients with vascular abnormalities, in particular with diffuse angiomatose. This article presents a clinical case of a 5-years old patient with a diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, who has been treated for a long time and received iron supplements therapy without achieving any effect. The diagnosis of Bean's syndrome was established after 5 years from the first clinical manifestation and based on clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods. The cause of iron deficiency anemia was established. It was repeated chronic bleedings from multiple sites of the gastrointestinal mucosa vessels. Prescribed rapamycin therapy allowed to contain gastrointestinal bleeding, to reduce the size of vascular lesions and to prevent the formation of new ones. Parents gave their consent to use information about the child in the article.

Fern-shaped patch as a hallmark of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome in neonatal venous malformations

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare congenital vascular disease associated with important morbidity and non-insignificant risk of mortality in cases of severe gastrointestinal or neurological involvement. Early diagnosis in the neonatal period can be difficult as very often skin lesions appear progressively during childhood having no correlation with gastrointestinal lesion development. The appearance of one large venous malformation (VM) in the neonatal period has suggested a characteristic finding of this syndrome. The objective of the study was to identify a specific clinical sign in the congenital venous malformations (VMs) of the BRBNS to distinguish them from the conventional VMs. Clinical histories of all patients diagnosed with BRBNS were reviewed, including those who presented a large VM at birth. Clinical characteristics of congenital VM associated with BRBNS were recorded. Five patients with BRBNS were found to have a large VM since birth. All of them presented a fern-shaped patch over the surface of the VM.

CONCLUSION

The finding of this macroscopic sign in the evaluation of the newborn with a VM could be considered as a guiding syndromic herald which should raise suspicion for BRBNS and allow for more accurate evaluation and surveillance for complications. What is Known: • BRBNS is a rare vascular disease associated with important morbidity and non-insignificant risk of mortality in cases of severe gastrointestinal or neurological involvement. • Early diagnosis in the neonatal period can be difficult as very often skin lesions appear progressively during childhood having no correlation with gastrointestinal lesion development. What is New: • Recognition of a fern-shaped patch in neonates with a VM should raise suspicion for BRBNS and allow for more accurate evaluation and surveillance for complications.

Surgery for Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome-a Case Report

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disease characterised by multiple venous malformations and haemangioma in the skin and visceral organs. The lesion often involves the cutaneous and gastrointestinal tract. Most common visceral organ affected is the GIT. Most predominant region involved in the GIT is small bowel. However, vascular lesions can occur anywhere from oral mucosa to anal canal. GIT bleed is relatively slow, resulting in minor, chronic and occult blood loss. The syndrome in the GIT may also present with severe complications such as rupture, volvulus, intussusceptions and even death. Cutaneous malformations are usually asymptomatic and do not require treatment. The treatment of GIT lesions is determined by the extent of intestinal involvement and severity of the disease. Most patients respond to supportive therapy such as iron supplementation and blood transfusion. Surgical resection, endoscopic sclerosis and laser photocoagulation have been proposed for more significant haemorrhage and severe complications. Here, we present a case of BRBNS in a 13-year-old girl involving the GIT especially the large bowel, presenting with the complaints of bleeding per rectum and iron deficiency anaemia. Initially, endoscopic sclerotherapy was performed, but to no response. Hence, proceeded with surgical resection.

[Blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome involving the pleura]

Bean's syndrome ('blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome') is a rare disease characterized by venous malformations involving various organs. Most often these lesions are localized to the skin and the digestive system. Gastro-intestinal bleeding is the most frequent presentation. Though other organs can be affected, chest localizations are infrequent and pleural localization is exceptional. We report the case of an asbestos-exposed patient with Bean's syndrome with characteristic skin lesions, smoker, hospitalized for the investigation of a hemorrhagic pleural effusion. A medical thoracoscopy revealed pleural lesions similar to the cutaneous lesions and compatible with a pleural localization of the disease. This is the first documented case of this disease involving the pleura. A review of the literature was carried out on account of this clinical case.

Response of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome to Sirolimus Treatment

BACKGROUND

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare multifocal venous malformation syndrome involving predominantly the skin and gastrointestinal tract. Traditional treatment modalities include corticosteroids, interferon-α, sclerotherapy, and aggressive surgical resection. Sirolimus has been used in several single case reports.

PROCEDURE

We performed a single-institution retrospective review of four children with BRBNS, who received sirolimus as part of their treatment regimens. A diagnosis of BRBNS was based on clinical, radiologic, and pathologic criteria.

RESULTS

Median age was 6.5 years (range: 2-16 years). Pathologic evaluations revealed a combined malformation with venous and lymphatic components. The novel finding of a lymphatic component was confirmed with PROX-1 immunostaining. Patients received oral sirolimus with target drug levels between 10 and 13 ng/ml. Responses to treatment were defined as stabilization/decrease in size of lesions; resolution of transfusion requirements; reduction in pain, and improvement in quality of life (QOL). Median time to response was 1.5 months (SD ± 0.96 month, range: 1-3 months). Median follow-up was 21 months (range: 18-26 months). Lesion size and characteristics improved in all patients. All patients reported decrease in pain and improvement in QOL. All three patients requiring transfusions became transfusion-independent. One patient had resolution of coagulopathy. Adverse effects of sirolimus consisted of mucositis in three patients and neutropenia in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Sirolimus is safe and efficient for the treatment of BRBNS. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this drug. This is the first report that identifies a lymphatic component as part of BRBNS.

Blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome: a rare cause of iron deficiency anaemia

We report a case in an adolescent male patient with a history of chronic fatigue, headache and unexplained iron deficiency anaemia since 2007. Numerous bluish-black lesions were found over his body surface. A surgical scar from a previous lumpectomy with a small lump were noted at the left submandibular region and another smaller lesion on the left lobe of the thyroid was also palpated. His most recent blood indices displayed the presence of moderately severe iron deficiency anaemia. Endoscopic evaluation exhibited multiple vascular lesions throughout the gastrointestinal tract. MRI of the brain revealed an irregular intracranial vascular lesion at the cerebellopontine angle. Further work-up with abdominal CT demonstrated the absence of similar lesions in the extraintestinal abdominal organs. Putting these together with histological findings, the diagnosis of blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome was confirmed. The patient was treated conservatively at this point and future management planning was discussed with him.

Epidural spinal cord compression in a patient with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) can present with vascular malformations throughout the body, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. Spinal cord compression from these lesions is rare, particularly in the pediatric population. The authors report a case of BRBNS involving an 18-year-old female patient who presented with back pain and an epidural thoracic mass with cord compression. She underwent an uncomplicated thoracic laminectomy and decompression, with removal of what appeared to be a venous malformation. Postoperatively her pain improved, and imaging revealed resolution of cord compression. Pathological analysis highlighted dilated venous channels with myxoid degeneration in the wall with clot, characteristic of BRBNS. The early age of presentation and location are unique based on the literature search of BRBNS. The present report highlights the multiplicity of venous malformations in BRBNS, and the management of this case.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome as a cause of lower digestive bleeding

Introduction. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is a rare disorder that is characterized by multiple recurrent vascular malformations that involve the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. The disease can present chronic anemia and severe episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding. Case Report. A 41-year-old man was admitted with recurrent episodes of lower gastrointestinal bleeding and anemia that had worsened over the last 3 months. The physical examination showed soft, diffuse, compressible, bluish nodules on all of the skin surfaces of the body. A biopsy from one of these skin lesions allowed a histological diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. He submitted to a colonoscopy, which showed hemorrhoids and a plane vascular lesion mainly located on the right colon with recent signs of bleeding; this lesion was treated by local excision and sclerosis. The pathological study of the colon specimens also reflected the presence of cavernous hemangioma. The cutaneous hemangiomas and the presence of colonic venous malformations were compatible with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. The patient presented a favorable follow-up with clinical control of the anemia and without relapse of the gastrointestinal bleeding two years after the procedure. Conclusion. Although rarely diagnosed, blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome may be responsible for lower digestive bleeding.

One case report of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disorder characterized by distinctive cutaneous and gastrointestinal venous malformations that usually cause massive or occult gastrointestinal hemorrhage and iron deficiency anemia secondary to the bleeding episodes. Other organs may also be involved. We report a case with symptoms of chronic gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The endoscopy revealed multiple bluish polypoid venous malformations throughout the GI tract. Curative effect was obtained by removing venous malformations of the GI through endoscopic sclerotherapy, ligation and ESD.

Elevated D-dimer level in the differential diagnosis of venous malformations

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if elevated D-dimer level is specific for venous malformations (VMs) and thus useful for differential diagnosis, which can be problematic even in specialized interdisciplinary centers. Localized intravascular coagulopathy, characterized by elevated D-dimer levels, has been observed in approximately 40% of patients with VMs.

DESIGN

Prospective convenience sample accrued from 2 interdisciplinary sites.

SETTING

Two interdisciplinary centers for vascular anomalies in Brussels, Belgium, and Caen, France

PARTICIPANTS

The study population comprised 280 patients with clinical data, Doppler ultrasonograms (for 251 patients), and coagulation parameter measurements. Main Outcome Measure Measurement of D-dimer levels.

RESULTS

A VM was diagnosed in 195 of 280 patients (69.6%), and 83 of them had elevated D-dimer levels; the sensitivity of D-dimer dosage was 42.6% (95% confidence interval, 35.6%-49.5%). Among the 85 patients without VM, D-dimer levels were elevated only in 3 patients; the specificity of the dosage was 96.5% (95% confidence interval, 92.5%-100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated D-dimer level is highly specific for VMs (pure, combined, or syndromic), and therefore this easy and inexpensive biomarker test should become part of the clinical evaluation of vascular anomalies. It can detect hidden VMs and help differentiate glomuvenous malformation (normal D-dimer levels) from other multifocal venous lesions. Elevated D-dimer level also differentiates a VM from a lymphatic malformation. Moreover, slow-flow Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (capillaro-lymphatico-venous malformation with limb hypertrophy) can be distinguished from fast-flow Parkes Weber syndrome (capillary malformation with underlying multiple microfistulas and limb hypertrophy). For these reasons, D-dimer level measurement is a useful complementary tool for diagnosing vascular anomalies in everyday practice.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome with simultaneous neurological and skeletal involvement

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disorder characterized by venous malformations usually affecting the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. These skin haemangiomas are present at birth and deteriorate as the body grows, causing primarily cosmetic problems. The haemangiomas of the gastrointestinal tract may appear later in life and may bleed, causing chronic anaemia, or may present with severe complications such as rupture, intestinal torsion, and intussusception. Other organs may also be involved. This article describes a 13-year-old boy with multiple haemangiomas of the skin, the mucous membranes, and the gastrointestinal tract, which caused anaemia and ileoileic intussusception. In this patient, the nervous system was significantly affected with a haemangioma of the left occipital lobe, with complications of stroke. He also had multiple paravertebral heamangiomas, which caused pressure signs and symptoms. This boy suffered from complex partial and generalized seizures and cerebral palsy. Multiple skeletal anomalies were also present from birth. In the relevant literature, this is the first case of BRBNS with simultaneous neurological and skeletal involvement. Such cases should be recognized early, as they can lead to serious multiple health problems and handicaps.

Diagnosis and treatment of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome in children

BACKGROUND

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is characterized by distinctive vascular malformations of skin and the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to chronic anemia and intestinal bleeding. It usually presents right after birth or during early infancy. Though the disease is inherent, its occurrence is sporadic. Thus it is usually not timely diagnosed. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment of this disorder in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

Three patients with BRBNS treated at our hospital during 2002-2003 and 39 patients from the literature reported during 1965-2003 were reviewed in terms of the diagnosis and treatment. BRBNS may be diagnosed as cutaneous cavernous hemangioma associated with the same lesion of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs.

RESULTS

Our 3 patients suffered from cutaneous angioma and gastrointestinal hemangioma. In 39 patients reported in the literature, cutaneous angioma was observed in all of them, and gastrointestinal hemangioma in 31. Additionally, the lesions were also found in other organs such as the brain (7 patients), joint (2), liver (2), eye (1), kidney (1) and spleen (1). Cutaneous angioma was located on the surface of the skin, including body (93%), limbs (86%), hip (36%) and face (26%). Gastrointestinal hemangioma was more common in the small intestine (100%) than in the colon (74%) and stomach (26%). When the joint was involved by hemangioma, pathologic fracture or overgrowth of bone needed traction and amputation (1 patient respectively). For significant gastrointestinal bleeding, endoscopic techniques (8 patients), surgical excision (5), or both (1) were performed. Recurrent bleeding was successfully treated by endoscopic laser combined with steroid or interferon in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

BRBNS in children presents atypical symptom and systemic complications. It should be dealt with seriously if gastrointestinal bleeding or orthopedic complication occurs. Treatment includes conservative, endoscopic and surgical options. Its recurrence with new angioma in the gastrointestinal tract needs laser-steroid therapy.

Vascular malformations. Part II: associated syndromes

Cutaneous vascular malformations are rare disorders representing errors in vascular development. These lesions occur much less commonly but are often confused with the common infantile hemangioma. It is important to properly diagnose vascular malformations because of their distinct differences in morbidity, prognosis and treatment. Vascular malformations may be associated with underlying disease or systemic anomalies. Several of these syndromes are well defined and can often be distinguished on the basis of the flow characteristics of the associated vascular malformation.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE

At the completion of this learning activity, participants should be able to better recognize underlying diseases or systemic anomalies that may be associated with vascular malformations. Participants should also better understand the various syndromes and conditions discussed and become more familiar with their management.