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The effect of ambient temperature on capillary vascular malformations
1Laser Suite, Canniesburn Plastic Surgery Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow G4 0SF, UK. djmcgill@canniesburn.org
The British Journal of Dermatology
|April 26, 2006
Summary
Raising ambient temperature causes capillary vasodilation in capillary vascular malformations (CMs), improving treatment potential. This method enhances blood flow even in laser-resistant lesions, offering new therapeutic avenues for CM clearance.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Vascular Biology
- Laser Medicine
Background:
- Capillary vascular malformations (CMs) often have smaller, deeper capillaries post-pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatment.
- PDL is less effective on capillaries smaller than 50 micrometers.
- Reduced perivascular nerves in CMs suggest abnormal autonomic innervation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if CM capillaries vasodilate in response to autonomic stimulation.
- To investigate the effect of raising ambient temperature on CM capillary vasodilation.
Main Methods:
- Studied 10 untreated and 9 previously treated CM patients.
- Increased ambient temperature from 20°C to 28°C in 2°C intervals.
- Measured skin blood flow (SBF), capillary diameter and depth, CM color, and temperatures.
Main Results:
- Ambient temperature increase induced superficial capillary vasodilation and increased SBF in all subjects.
- Capillary diameter significantly increased in both untreated (66 to 110 microm) and treated (28 to 70 microm) groups (P<0.001).
- SBF increased significantly in untreated (427 to 581 PU, P<0.01) and treated (201 to 458 PU, P<0.05) groups.
Conclusions:
- Superficial capillary vasodilation in CMs is achievable by raising ambient temperature.
- This method is effective even in patients resistant to PDL treatment.
- Therapeutic vasodilation may improve CM clearance.
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