Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: a review

The Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is a triad of congenital anomalies characterized by a vascular nevus, varicose veins and bony and soft-tissue hypertrophy. Although the syndrome is uncommon, initially the condition appears as a skin blemish or varicose veins. To avoid errors in management, it is important to recognize the syndrome. In this paper the authors outline the presentation, investigation and management of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and describe four cases of their own. One form of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, in which all the anomalies of the triad are important, in which direct signs of a large arteriovenous shunt are present and for which the surgical approach is difficult, is Parkes-Weber syndrome. Lack of reports in the world literature on long-term follow-up leaves many unanswered questions regarding prognosis and management.