Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome with CNS involvement and thrombosis of a vein of galen malformation

A patient is described with the dermatological features of blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS), focal seizures, and lateralized neurological signs. CAT scan demonstrated a nonenhanced density in the region of the vein of Galen. Neuropathological examintion showed that this density was a clot within a vein of Galen malformation. Hemangiomas that grossly resembled the skin lesions of BRBNS were seen on the cerebral surface. Many of these hemangiomas were thrombosed and overlay patchy zones of infarction. Numerous vascular malformations of varying histological types were also found within the brain and systemic organs. Bluish, compressible, often raised hemangiomas of the skin should alert physicians to the BRBNS and the potential for vascular malformations to occur within the brain as well as systemic organs. Diagnosis of BRBNS involving the brain may assist in interpretation of radiographic findings. The tendency of these malformations to thrombose may account for focal neurological deficits.