What is Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and what causes it?
A syndrome is a collection of symptoms that often appear together. The symptoms associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome are port wine stains, varicose veins and hypertrophy (extra growth) of one limb. It is named after the two French doctors who described the condition in 1900. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is present at birth (congenital) but often the only visible sign in babies is the port wine stain. The diagnosis may not be confirmed until the varicose veins and limb hypertrophy become more noticeable. We do not really know what causes Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. There are various theories about possible causes, including problems with how the blood vessel system develops during pregnancy, but more research is needed to confirm the cause. It is clear that it is not passed on from parent to child in any direct way.
