Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome in a patient with ataxia and dementia

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS), an uncommon disorder characterized by cavernous hemangiomas, most often of the skin and gastrointestinal tract, is usually diagnosed during childhood and young adulthood. We made this diagnosis in an octogenarian referred to a geriatric medicine clinic because of concerns about his ability to live independently. Ataxia, dementia, focal neurologic signs, and bluish/purplish vascular nodules on his lips, buccal mucosa, tongue, chest, and neck were noted on physical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an old left parietal infarction, multiple cavernous hemangiomas most densely concentrated in the subcortical structures and cerebellum, and areas of hemosiderin deposition. Skin biopsy findings were consistent with hemangioma. The physical examination, MRI, and skin biopsy made a diagnosis of BRBNS likely. The patient's ataxia, dementia, and other neurologic signs can be explained by previous hemorrhage from the vascular malformations in his brain. Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is an uncommon cause of a relatively common geriatric syndrome presentation.