Capillary Malformation in CLAPO Syndrome Successfully Treated with Pulsed Dye Laser

CLAPO syndrome (Capillary vascular malformation of the lower lip, Lymphatic malformations of the head and neck, Asymmetry and Partial/generalized Overgrowth) is a recently described entity, with very few published cases in the literature, and no standardized treatment. The objective of our study was to assess the efficacy and safety of PDL in patients with this syndrome. Seven patients were treated with two to four sessions of PDL at 595-nm wavelength. Laser therapy was performed using a spot size of 7 to 10 mm, a pulse duration of 0,5 to 1,5 ms and a fluence from 6 to 8 J/cm². Clinical photographs were taken before treatment and 3 weeks after procedure. Clearance of the erythema was > 75% in 4 patients. Transient purpura was present in all patients for about 2 weeks and 1 patient presented post inflammatory hypopigmentation. In conclusion we consider that PDL seems to be a safe and effective treatment for capillary malformations of the CLAPO syndrome. A marked reduction in erythema was achieved in all patients with a low incidence of side effects.