II. Definition
- Persistent vascular Birthmark
III. Epidemiology
- Incidence: 0.3% to 0.5% of newborns
IV. Pathophysiology
-
Vascular Malformation of mature ectatic capillaries
- Superficial Capillaries (seen in Salmon Patch)
- Deeper vessels of Dermis and subcutaneous tissue
V. Signs
- Flat, unilateral Macules on face or extremities
- Present at birth and may deepen in color with time
- Varied coloration
- Pale pink to reddish-blue or purple vascular patch
VI. Differential Diagnosis
VII. Evaluation
- Lesion located near eye requires pediatric ophthalmology evaluation
- Sturge-Weber Syndrome (5-8%)
- Neonatal Glaucoma
- Lesion associated with extremity hypertrophy
VIII. Associated Conditions
- Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome
- Sturge-Weber Syndrome
- Neonatal Glaucoma (when ophthalmic branch of the Trigeminal Nerve is involved)
IX. Management
- Treatment is cosmetic only (to lighten lesions)
- Compression garment if on extremities
-
Pulsed-dye laser therapy
- Optimally treated before age 1 year
- Protocol: Total of 5 sessions each spaced 2 weeks apart
- Tomson (2006) Br J Dermatol 154:676-9 [PubMed]
X. Course
- Persist and may become more prominent over time (contrast with Hemangiomas which fade)