Vascular characteristics of port wine birthmarks as measured by dynamic optical coherence tomography

Port wine birthmarks (PWBs) are congenital capillary malformations. Vessel characteristics, such as diameter and depth, may impact presentation and outcomes. They can be imaged using dynamic optical coherence tomography, a high-resolution, noninvasive imaging method.

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study to measure in vivo vascular characteristics as a function of PWB color.

Patients undergoing treatment for PWB were recruited from 3 sites. PWBs were classified by color. Dynamic optical coherence tomography images with calculations were obtained.

One hundred eight patients were enrolled. Mean age correlated with PWB color, with birthmarks being lighter in younger patients and darker in older patients (P < .01). Mean superficial plexus depth was significantly shallower in purple PWBs than in pink PWBs. Color was not associated with significant differences in mean superficial vessel density or diameter. Among pink PWBs, each 10-year increase in age was associated with a 10.6-μm increase in superficial plexus depth. Among purple PWBs, each 10-year increase in age was associated with a 16.2-μm reduction in superficial plexus depth. In lesions without prior treatment, vessel density was 12.7% lower in purple PWBs than in pink PWBs.

Superficial vessels of purple PWBs were significantly closer to the epidermis than those of pink PWBs, which might impact optimal laser parameters.