Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome

What it is, symptoms and effects

From: MedlinePlus Genetics, National Library of Medicine

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a condition that affects the development of blood vessels, soft tissues (such as skin and muscles), and bones. The disorder has three characteristic features: a red birthmark called a port-wine stain, abnormal overgrowth of soft tissues and bones, and vein malformations.

Most people with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome are born with a port-wine stain. This type of birthmark is caused by swelling of small blood vessels near the surface of the skin. Port-wine stains are typically flat and can vary from pale pink to deep maroon in color. In people with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, the port-wine stain usually covers part of one limb. The affected area may become lighter or darker with age. Occasionally, port-wine stains develop small red blisters that break open and bleed easily.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is also associated with overgrowth of bones and soft tissues beginning in infancy. Usually this abnormal growth is limited to one limb, most often one leg. However, overgrowth can also affect the arms or, rarely, the torso. The abnormal growth can cause pain, a feeling of heaviness, and reduced movement in the affected area. If the overgrowth causes one leg to be longer than the other, it can also lead to problems with walking.

Malformations of veins are the third major feature of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. These abnormalities include varicose veins, which are swollen and twisted veins near the surface of the skin that often cause pain. Varicose veins usually occur on the sides of the upper legs and calves. Veins deep in the limbs can also be abnormal in people with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Malformations of deep veins increase the risk of a type of blood clot called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a DVT travels through the bloodstream and lodges in the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening blood clot known as a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Other complications of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome can include a type of skin infection called cellulitis, swelling caused by a buildup of fluid (lymphedema), and internal bleeding from abnormal blood vessels. Less commonly, this condition is also associated with fusion of certain fingers or toes (syndactyly) or the presence of extra digits (polydactyly).

Causes and biological mechanisms

From: MedlinePlus Genetics, National Library of Medicine

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome can be caused by mutations in the PIK3CA gene. This gene provides instructions for making the p110 alpha (p110α) protein, which is one piece (subunit) of an enzyme called phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). PI3K plays a role in chemical signaling that is important for many cell activities, including cell growth and division (proliferation), movement (migration) of cells, and cell survival. These functions make PI3K important for the development of tissues throughout the body.

The PIK3CA gene mutations associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome alter the p110α protein. The altered subunit makes PI3K abnormally active, which allows cells to grow and divide continuously. Increased cell proliferation leads to abnormal growth of the bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels.

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is one of several overgrowth syndromes, including megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome, that are caused by mutations in the PIK3CA gene. Together, these conditions are known as the PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum (PROS).

Because not everyone with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome has a mutation in the PIK3CA gene, it is possible that mutations in unidentified genes may also cause this condition.

Inheritance and family implications

From: MedlinePlus Genetics, National Library of Medicine

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is almost always sporadic, which means that it occurs in people with no history of the disorder in their family. Studies suggest that the condition results from gene mutations that are not inherited. These genetic changes, which are called somatic mutations, arise randomly in one cell during the early stages of development before birth. As cells continue to divide during development, cells arising from the first abnormal cell will have the mutation, and other cells will not. This mixture of cells with and without a genetic mutation is known as mosaicism.

How common is it?

From: MedlinePlus Genetics, National Library of Medicine

Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is estimated to affect at least 1 in 100,000 people worldwide.

Reported clinical features and what the terms mean

The following findings are associated with this condition in Orphanet. They are not a checklist for diagnosing yourself, and they do not all occur in every affected person. Some are examination, imaging or laboratory findings that cannot be recognised at home.

The frequency labels describe how often a finding was reported among people with the condition in the source. They do not give the chance that a person with that symptom has the condition. Definitions below reproduce HPO terminology; they explain the term, not the likely severity in an individual.

Abnormality of skeletal morphology · Very frequent (99-80%)

An abnormality of the form, structure, or size of the skeletal system.

Hemangioma · Very frequent (99-80%)

A hemangioma is a benign tumor characterized by blood-filled spaces lined by benign endothelial cells. A hemangioma characterized by large endothelial spaces (caverns) is called a cavernous hemangioma (in contrast to a hemangioma with small endothelial spaces, which is called capillary hemangioma).

Lower limb asymmetry · Very frequent (99-80%)

A difference in length or diameter between the left and right leg.

Upper limb asymmetry · Very frequent (99-80%)

Difference in length or size between the right and left arm.

Venous insufficiency · Very frequent (99-80%)

Cellulitis · Frequent (79-30%)

A bacterial infection and inflammation of the skin und subcutaneous tissues.

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage · Frequent (79-30%)

Hemorrhage affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Pulmonary embolism · Frequent (79-30%)

An embolus (that is, an abnormal particle circulating in the blood) located in the pulmonary artery and thereby blocking blood circulation to the lung. Usually the embolus is a blood clot that has developed in an extremity (for instance, a deep venous thrombosis), detached, and traveled through the circulation before becoming trapped in the pulmonary artery.

Other findings in the same source

From: Orphanet

Additional reported features include Tall stature (Frequent (79-30%)); Venous thrombosis (Frequent (79-30%)); Abnormal skull morphology (Occasional (29-5%)); Abnormal tricuspid valve morphology (Occasional (29-5%)); Abnormality of the menstrual cycle (Occasional (29-5%)); Abnormality of the pulmonary artery (Occasional (29-5%)); Ascites (Occasional (29-5%)); Atrial septal defect (Occasional (29-5%)); Congestive heart failure (Occasional (29-5%)); Edema (Occasional (29-5%)). This is a selected summary, not a complete description of the condition.

Which doctor should you see?

The suggested department for discussing Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is Clinical Genetics, with a clinical geneticist as the relevant type of clinician. Paediatrician (children) or physician (adults), with clinical geneticist referral.

This is an editorial referral starting point. The appropriate clinic depends on the person’s age, symptoms, previous diagnosis and local services. The first clinician can decide whether another specialty or a team is needed; a department label does not confirm the diagnosis.

How to prepare for an assessment

Bring a short timeline of the main symptoms: when they first appeared, whether they are constant or episodic, what seems to change them, and how they affect daily activities. Include previous reports, discharge summaries, current medicines and supplements, allergies, and any relevant family history. A dated record is more useful than trying to match every feature in an online article.

Ask the clinician what is already established and what remains uncertain. If a test is suggested, ask what question it answers, what its limitations are and how the result would change the next step. The information here is not an instruction to arrange every possible test. In children, bring growth, developmental and school information if it is relevant to the concern.

• Does the exact genetic or chromosome finding explain the observed features?
• Would a genetic counsellor help the family understand the result?
• Which organ-specific assessments are appropriate for this particular diagnosis?

Treatment discussions and follow-up

The material gathered for this draft does not provide a complete condition-specific treatment pathway for Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. That gap does not mean that treatment is unavailable. A clinician needs to establish the diagnosis and review current guidance before recommending medicines, procedures, rehabilitation or other support.

Before leaving the appointment, clarify the next review date, who will communicate results, and whom to contact if the situation changes. Discuss difficulties with sleep, work, school, mobility, eating or emotional wellbeing when these are relevant. Practical support may require coordination between the treating clinician and other services.

The collected references do not establish a complete prevention or long-term outlook section for this entry. Missing information should not be interpreted as proof that prevention is impossible or that a particular outcome is inevitable. Ask what is known for the exact subtype, stage and personal circumstances, and which uncertainties remain.

When to seek emergency help

Severe breathing difficulty, collapse, new stroke-like symptoms, a seizure that is prolonged or repeated without recovery, uncontrolled major bleeding, or an immediate risk of self-harm require emergency help. In India, call 112 or reach the nearest emergency department. This is a general, non-exhaustive warning list; it is not a condition-specific triage tool.