Late-onset multiple venous malformations confined to the upper limb: link to somatic MAP3K3 mutations

Abstract

Venous (cavernous) malformations are commonly seen in the upper limb. Almost all venous malformations are congenital. They may be sporadic, familial, or syndromic. Late-onset, multiple venous malformations confined to the upper limb are rare. Lesions present after puberty. All previously reported cases were located subcutaneously and were small in size. The condition is non-hereditary and non-syndromic. We present a unique series of eight patients with this rare condition. Unique features included the presence of large malformations (up to 20 cm in diameter) and the presence of subfascial lesions causing nerve compression. Surgical excision was curative. Mutational analysis in one patient identified a novel somatic MAP3K3 gene mutation (c.1723T > C, p.Tyr 575 His) in the affected veins. The encoded MAP3K3 protein is known to accelerate the RAS pathway of cellular proliferation.

Level of evidence: IV

Keywords

Venous malformations cavernous malformations hand forearm MAP3K3

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