Port-wine stain
A permanent, flat vascular birthmark caused by abnormal capillary development in the dermis, ranging in colour from pink to deep purple and darkening with age.
Full Definition
Port-wine stain (PWS) is a capillary vascular malformation present at birth, arising from somatic mutations (often in GNAQ) that result in ectatic dermal capillaries. Unlike nevus simplex, it does not resolve spontaneously and typically deepens and thickens over time. When located on the trigeminal distribution of the face, it may be associated with Sturge–Weber syndrome. Pulsed-dye laser therapy is the current standard of care. Editorial note: the term is hyphenated and written in lower case except when beginning a sentence.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate: 'port-wine stain,' not 'port wine stain.' The abbreviation PWS is acceptable after first use in clinical documents.
In Context
- "The patient presented with a unilateral port-wine stain affecting the V1 and V2 dermatomes, prompting ophthalmological referral." — Paediatric dermatology referral letter
- "Treatment with pulsed-dye laser for the port-wine stain was initiated at three months of age." — Clinical trial protocol