Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis
Published on: August 26, 2025
CLOVES syndrome with thoracic and central phlebectasia: increased risk of pulmonary embolism
Ahmad I Alomari1, Patricia E Burrows, Edward Y Lee
1Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass 02115, USA. ahmad.alomari@childrens.harvard.edu
Objective:
CLOVES syndrome (congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and skeletal/scoliosis and spinal abnormalities) is a rare, complex overgrowth syndrome with serious morbidity. In this communication we studied the presence of central and thoracic phlebectasia in patients with CLOVES syndrome and its clinical implications.
Methods:
We conducted a comprehensive search of our databases at Children's Hospital Boston over the last 10 years (1999-2008) for patients with CLOVES syndrome and central and thoracic phlebectasia. Medical records, clinical photographs, and imaging studies of varying modalities were reviewed.
Results:
Review of the clinical data and imaging studies of 12 patients with CLOVES syndrome documented the presence of central and thoracic phlebectasia in 11 patients. Two patients had serious perioperative pulmonary embolism, and 1 died.
Conclusions:
Central and thoracic phlebectasia in patients with CLOVES syndrome is common and increases the risk of pulmonary embolism. Aggressive prophylactic measures should be considered before major interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies