Unilateral naevoid telangiectasia: A retrospective study of 11 paediatric cases

Abstract

Background Unilateral naevoid telangiectasia (UNT) is a rare disease with only sporadic cases reported. The pathogenesis remains elusive and especially in paediatric patients, effective and safe treatment is still uncertain. Objectives The purpose of this study was to summarise the clinical characteristics of UNT, explore the possible pathogenesis and evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy. Materials and Methods The epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and pathological features of paediatric patients with UNT were retrospectively reviewed. PDL treatment was done on some of the patients. Clinical documents and patient images before and after treatment were assessed to evaluate efficacy and adverse events. Results Most of the cases (9/11) presented with unilateral lesions. The laboratory results of all the 11 cases were normal. Histological examination in six cases revealed multiple, dilated veins in the reticular dermis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) staining was positive, whereas oestrogen receptor staining was negative. Nine cases were treated with PDL which was shown to be effective and safe. Conclusion UNT has typical clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis of this disease could be linked to VEGF; however, more research and confirmation are needed. PDL is an effective and safe treatment for UNT.