Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome - Definition

Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome or KTWS is a medical condition in which blood vessels fail to form properly.

The condition was first described by French physicians Klippel and Trenaunay in 1900 and termed naevus vasculosus osteohypertrophicus. In 1907, Parkes Weber independently described the condition as process hemangiectatic.

Although the cause and processes surrounding Klippel Trenaunay Weber syndrome are poorly understood, the disease is diagnosed by the presence of at least two of the symptoms on a single extremity:

• A distinctive "port-wine" stain with sharp borders
• Varicose veins
• Hypertrophy of bony and soft tissues

The disease affects men and women equally, and is not limited to any racial group. It is not believed to be genetic in nature.

References

• Lisko, Jane H. and Frederick Fish. Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome (http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic213.htm) (May 27, 2003). Accessed July 25, 2004.