Dermatológia pre prax 3/2017

Capillary malformation (naevus flammeus) – morphology, etiopathogenesis and therapy

Naevus flammeus (port wine stain – PWS) represents a type of capillary malformation affecting 0.3-0.5% population. The characteristic colour is caused by elevated amount of hemoglobin in PWS lesions composed of ectatic capillaries and postcapillary venules. The lesions of PWS are present at birth with no spontaneous regression in contrast with infantile hemangiomas. Progressive changes characterized by darkening, skin thickening and/or nodule formation may lead to disfigurement and psychosocial embarrassment. Lasers and intensive non-coherent light sources based on the principles of selective phototermolysis represent the main current treatment modality for PWS. Photodynamic therapy and/or pharmacotherapy by antiangiogenic medicaments are clinically tested as adjuvant treatment modalities.

Keywords: naevus flammeus, capillary malformation, port-wine stain, vascular nevus, hemangioma, vascular lesions, laser