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Stroke Dec 2022Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare, noninherited neurovascular disorder characterized by abnormal vasculature in the brain, skin, and eye. Patients with SWS... (Review)
Review
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare, noninherited neurovascular disorder characterized by abnormal vasculature in the brain, skin, and eye. Patients with SWS characteristically have facial capillary malformation, also known as port-wine birthmark, a leptomeningeal vascular malformation seen on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging images, abnormal blood vessels in the eye, and glaucoma. Patients with SWS have impaired perfusion to the brain and are at high risk of venous stroke and stroke-like episodes, seizures, and both motor and cognitive difficulties. While the activating R183Q somatic mutation is the most common somatic mutation underlying SWS, recent research also implicates that GNA11 and somatic mutations are related to SWS. Recent retrospective studies suggest the use of low-dose aspirin and vitamin D in treatment for SWS and prospective drug trials have supported the usefulness of cannabidiol and Sirolimus. Presymptomatic treatment with low-dose aspirin and antiepileptic drugs shows promising results in delaying seizure onset in some patients. This review focuses on the latest progress in the field of research for Sturge-Weber syndrome and highlights directions for future research.
Topics: Humans; Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Seizures; Brain; Stroke; Aspirin
PubMed: 36263782
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.038585 -
The Application of Clinical Genetics 2023Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a congenital, sporadic, and rare neurocutaneous disorder, characterized by the presence of a facial port-wine birthmark (PWB), glaucoma,... (Review)
Review
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a congenital, sporadic, and rare neurocutaneous disorder, characterized by the presence of a facial port-wine birthmark (PWB), glaucoma, and neurological manifestations including leptomeningeal angiomatosis and seizures. It is caused by a postzygotic, somatic, gain-of-function variant of the gene, and more recently, the gene in association with distinctive clinical features. Neuroimaging can help identify and stratify patients at risk for significant complications allowing closer follow-up; although no presymptomatic treatment has been demonstrated to be effective to date, these patients could benefit from early treatment and/or supportive interventions. Choroid plexus (CP) thickness measurements in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have a high sensitivity and specificity for early and incipient changes in SWS. In contrast, the absence of pathologic findings makes it possible to rule out associated neurological involvement and leads to periodical observation, with new imaging studies only in cases of new clinical signs/symptoms. Periodic ophthalmological examination is also recommended every 3 months during the first year and yearly afterwards to monitor for glaucoma and choroidal hemangiomas. Treatment for SWS depends on the extent and areas that are affected. These include laser surgery for PWB, anticonvulsants in the case of brain involvement, with either seizures or abnormal EEG, and medical treatment or surgery for glaucoma. Sirolimus has been used in a limited number of patients and appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for cutaneous and extra-cutaneous features, however controlled clinical studies have not been carried out. Better knowledge of molecular pathways will help to develop future targeted treatments.
PubMed: 37124240
DOI: 10.2147/TACG.S363685 -
Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology Mar 2022Childhood glaucoma represents a heterogenous group of rare ocular conditions that may result in significant sight threatening complications related to elevated... (Review)
Review
Childhood glaucoma represents a heterogenous group of rare ocular conditions that may result in significant sight threatening complications related to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). It can be classified as either primary or secondary and the latter may have systemic associations. This review will be based on the work of the childhood glaucoma research network (CGRN) and will focus on the diagnosis and management of the most common types of childhood glaucoma. These include primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG) as well as secondary causes of glaucoma associated with non-acquired ocular anomalies (Axenfeld-Rieger anomaly; Peters anomaly and Aniridia), glaucoma associated with systemic disease (Sturge Weber syndrome and Neurofibromatosis), those due to acquired conditions (Uveitic glaucoma, trauma and tumours) and importantly glaucoma following cataract surgery.
Topics: Eye Abnormalities; Glaucoma; Glaucoma, Open-Angle; Humans; Hydrophthalmos; Intraocular Pressure; Rare Diseases
PubMed: 35023613
DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14039 -
JAMA Dermatology Jan 2021Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous syndrome involving the skin, brain, and eyes. Consensus recommendations for management are lacking. (Review)
Review
IMPORTANCE
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous syndrome involving the skin, brain, and eyes. Consensus recommendations for management are lacking.
OBJECTIVE
To consolidate the current literature with expert opinion to make recommendations that will guide treatment and referral for patients with port-wine birthmarks (PWBs).
EVIDENCE REVIEW
In this consensus statement, 12 nationally peer-recognized experts in dermatology with experience treating patients with SWS were assembled. Key topics and questions were formulated for each group and included risk stratification, optimum treatment strategies, and recommendations regarding light-based therapies. A systematic PubMed search was performed of English-language articles published between December 1, 2008, and December 1, 2018, as well as other pertinent studies identified by the expert panel. Clinical practice guidelines were recommended.
FINDINGS
Treatment of PWBs is indicated to minimize the psychosocial impact and diminish nodularity and potentially tissue hypertrophy. Better outcomes may be attained if treatments are started at an earlier age. In the US, pulsed dye laser is the standard for all PWBs regardless of the lesion size, location, or color. When performed by experienced physicians, laser treatment can be safe for patients of all ages. The choice of using general anesthesia in young patients is a complex decision that must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These recommendations are intended to help guide clinical practice and decision-making for patients with SWS and those with isolated PWBs and may improve patient outcomes.
Topics: Clinical Decision-Making; Consensus; Dermatology; Humans; Lasers, Dye; Low-Level Light Therapy; Port-Wine Stain; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33175124
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.4226 -
Pediatrics in Review Sep 2022Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder that classically presents with a triad of vascular anomalies affecting the skin, eyes, and brain. Previously,... (Review)
Review
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a neurocutaneous disorder that classically presents with a triad of vascular anomalies affecting the skin, eyes, and brain. Previously, the trigeminal nerve distribution of a port-wine birthmark (PWB) of the face was used to identify risk of SWS. However, recent evidence has demonstrated that PWBs are vascular, not neurologic, in embryologic origin, and facial PWBs at highest risk for the brain involvement of SWS involve the forehead location. Furthermore, a PWB involving the upper or lower eyelid carries a risk of glaucoma, which requires lifelong monitoring. The gold standard of treatment for PWB is the pulsed dye laser, which has many advantages when started as early as possible in infancy. In this review, we discuss the locations of facial PWBs at risk for neurologic and ophthalmologic complications, the differential diagnosis of facial vascular birthmarks, recommendations for patient referral(s) when needed, and the advantages of early laser therapy when desired for the PWB. We also provide additional resources for pediatricians to support patients and their families.
Topics: Brain; Glaucoma; Humans; Port-Wine Stain; Risk Assessment; Sturge-Weber Syndrome
PubMed: 36045161
DOI: 10.1542/pir.2021-005437 -
Pediatric Neurology Aug 2021Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a sporadic, neurocutaneous syndrome involving the skin, brain, and eyes. Because of the variability of the clinical manifestations and the...
BACKGROUND
Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a sporadic, neurocutaneous syndrome involving the skin, brain, and eyes. Because of the variability of the clinical manifestations and the lack of prospective studies, consensus recommendations for management and treatment of SWS have not been published.
OBJECTIVE
This article consolidates the current literature with expert opinion to make recommendations to guide the neuroimaging evaluation and the management of the neurological and ophthalmologic features of SWS.
METHODS
Thirteen national peer-recognized experts in neurology, radiology, and ophthalmology with experience treating patients with SWS were assembled. Key topics and questions were formulated for each group and included (1) risk stratification, (2) indications for referral, and (3) optimum treatment strategies. An extensive PubMed search was performed of English language articles published in 2008 to 2018, as well as recent studies identified by the expert panel. The panel made clinical practice recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS
Children with a high-risk facial port-wine birthmark (PWB) should be referred to a pediatric neurologist and a pediatric ophthalmologist for baseline evaluation and periodic follow-up. In newborns and infants with a high-risk PWB and no history of seizures or neurological symptoms, routine screening for brain involvement is not recommended, but brain imaging can be performed in select cases. Routine follow-up neuroimaging is not recommended in children with SWS and stable neurocognitive symptoms. The treatment of ophthalmologic complications, such as glaucoma, differs based on the age and clinical presentation of the patient. These recommendations will help facilitate coordinated care for patients with SWS and may improve patient outcomes.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Congresses as Topic; Consensus; Glaucoma; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Neuroimaging; Neurology; Ophthalmology; Port-Wine Stain; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Seizures; Sturge-Weber Syndrome
PubMed: 34153815
DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.04.013 -
Dermatologic Clinics Oct 2022Capillary malformations (CMs) are the most common vascular anomalies, composed of enlarged capillaries and venules with thickened perivascular cell coverage in skin and... (Review)
Review
Capillary malformations (CMs) are the most common vascular anomalies, composed of enlarged capillaries and venules with thickened perivascular cell coverage in skin and mucous membranes. These congenital anomalies represent an error in vascular development during embryogenesis. Most of the CMs occur without any syndromic findings; the association between CMs systemic anomalies in some patients, however, makes the recognition of additional syndrome features critical. Some genetic disorders discussed, which feature CMs, include Sturge-Weber syndrome, diffuse CMs with overgrowth, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, CLOVES syndrome, among others. This article can aid clinicians in better identifying CMs and associated syndromes and provide consistent terminology to facilitate interdisciplinary management.
Topics: Capillaries; Humans; Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Vascular Malformations
PubMed: 36243429
DOI: 10.1016/j.det.2022.06.005 -
Acta Neurologica Belgica Jun 2023
Topics: Humans; Brain; Brain Stem Infarctions; Sturge-Weber Syndrome
PubMed: 34997560
DOI: 10.1007/s13760-021-01861-5 -
The Journal of Clinical Investigation Apr 2024Capillary malformation (CM), or port wine birthmark, is a cutaneous congenital vascular anomaly that occurs in 0.1%-2% of newborns. Patients with a CM localized on the... (Review)
Review
Capillary malformation (CM), or port wine birthmark, is a cutaneous congenital vascular anomaly that occurs in 0.1%-2% of newborns. Patients with a CM localized on the forehead have an increased risk of developing a neurocutaneous disorder called encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis or Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS), with complications including seizure, developmental delay, glaucoma, and vision loss. In 2013, a groundbreaking study revealed causative activating somatic mutations in the gene (GNAQ) encoding guanine nucleotide-binding protein Q subunit α (Gαq) in CM and SWS patient tissues. In this Review, we discuss the disease phenotype, the causative GNAQ mutations, and their cellular origin. We also present the endothelial Gαq-related signaling pathways, the current animal models to study CM and its complications, and future options for therapeutic treatment. Further work remains to fully elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of the abnormal vessels.
Topics: Infant, Newborn; Animals; Humans; Glaucoma; Models, Animal; Mutation; Capillaries; Vascular Malformations
PubMed: 38618955
DOI: 10.1172/JCI172842