Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome, a Rare Cause of Hematochezia

Gastrointestinal involvement in Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome: pathophysiology, evaluation, and management

Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome is typically a complex combined capillary-lymphatic-venous malformation in lower limb. Gastrointestinal involvement is not infrequent in Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome. Rectal bleeding is the most common complication. In recent years, this condition has been increasingly reported. However, most authors simply described extreme manifestations or various combinations of clinical observations. The underlying pathophysiology of gastrointestinal involvement in Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome has been underrecognized. Pathophysiologically, some seemingly adequate managements are pitfalls in treatment. Anorectosigmoid vascular malformations in KTS have distinct and more complicated pathophysiologies than anorectal vascular malformation. Once understanding the pathophysiology, some patients can be successfully managed with a staged plan in our practice. Therefore, recognizing the pathophysiologies of gastrointestinal involvement is needed to evaluate, prevent pitfalls, and determine adequate managements for practitioners. Because of the complexity and rarity of this condition, prospective controlled study or a large cohort of patients is impossible. Based on literature review and our practice, we discuss pathophysiologies, evaluation, pitfalls, and treatment strategies for gastrointestinal involvement in Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome.

Internal Iliac Vein Reflux: An Underrecognized Pathophysiology in Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome With Pelvis Involvement

Background and objective

Internal iliac vein reflux (IIVR) has been underrecognized in Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS) with pelvis involvement. In this study, our aim was to report clinical and radiological characteristics, modified phlebography technique, and diagnostic and treatment algorithm and outcomes of IIVR in KTS patients with pelvis involvement.

Materials and methods

KTS patients diagnosed between May 2014 and January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The medical records and imaging studies of all patients with KTS of the lower extremities were included and reviewed. KTS was defined as the triad of capillary malformation, venous malformation, and limb overgrowth. Pelvis involvement was evaluated with MRI. Phlebography was performed if IIVR was suspected. IIVR ablation and sclerotherapy were performed if IIVR was confirmed in KTS patients with external genitalia/perineum manifestation and bleeding. Patients were followed up via outpatient consultations. Episodes of gross bleeding were specifically investigated.

Results

A total of 211 patients with lower limb KTS diagnosed by our team were included in the study. Unilateral IIVR was diagnosed in 97 patients, and bilateral IIVR in two patients; 117 KTS patients were managed with radiological intervention and/or hybrid surgery by our team. Eleven patients underwent an IIVR ablation procedure due to recurrent bleeding from pelvic organs. Postprocedural complications included transient fever (n=2) and mild anaphylactic reaction (n=1). A small hyperpigmented scar at the incision and/or accessing site was noticed in patients receiving bleomycin during the procedure (n=6). Bleeding episodes and anemia resolved in all patients during the follow-up period. Correspondingly, the involved IIV and its tributaries were found to have disappeared on imaging during the follow-up.

Conclusion

IIVR is common in KTS patients, and it can cause bleeding from pelvic organs. Bleeding can be managed with IIVR ablation and sclerotherapy in KTS with pelvis involvement.

Sangrado gastrointestinal secundario a síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay

El síndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay es una entidad poco frecuente, descrita en 1900 por dos médicos franceses 1, con una incidencia estimada en 1 de cada 100.000 nacidos vivos 2 . Se caracteriza por la presencia de malformaciones arteriovenosas, de predominio en miembros inferiores, que generan hipertrofia en huesos y tejidos blandos 2,3. Rara vez afecta el tracto gastrointestinal, pero, si lo hace, puede causar importante sangrado digestivo, llegando a comprometer la vida del paciente 4. Presentamos el caso de un paciente con sangrado gastrointestinal secundario a síndrome de KlippelTrenaunay.

Genitourinary involvement in pediatric patients with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is a genetic vascular malformation disorder which induces a variety of phenotypic expression in patients which differ in terms of severity/location. While previous studies have documented genitourinary (GU) complications in adult KTS patients, documentation of the scope and incidence of GU involvement in the pediatric population with imaging findings is currently limited. This study represents the largest KTS genitourinary review to date.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the incidence, scope, clinical findings and imaging characteristics of GU pathology in pediatric KTS patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Using a retrospective data analysis design, the charts and imaging studies of pediatric KTS patients were reviewed. All patients received care at a specialized vascular clinic within a multicenter tertiary care system. Variables studied included age, age at KTS diagnosis, gender, urologic involvement, and age of urologic complication.

RESULTS

58 patients were identified. 33 were male and 25 were female. 10 patients had GU findings. Three of these patients had multifocal GU involvement (greater than 1 finding). Urologic manifestations were diverse with 9 distinct diagnoses involving 6 unique organs. Renal, vesical and scrotal pathologies were most common. Hematuria was the most common presenting symptom in 30% (3/10). Previously unreported findings (labial swelling, renal lymphatic cysts) were identified. The average age of KTS diagnosis was 4.9 years. The average age of documented GU complication and involvement was 7.6 years.

CONCLUSION

Significant GU complications due to KTS can occur in the pediatric population. Early clinical and imaging characterization of these conditions is important for management, family education and early intervention strategies.