“Acquired Port-Wine Stains” Can Morph into Morphea

Port-wine stains (PWSs) are common birthmarks caused by capillary malformations of the skin. They present at birth as flat, pink, red, or maroon patches. Rare reports of “acquired PWS” have appeared in the literature, but the nosology is uncertain and controversial. In this case report, investigators describe four children who presented with vascular patches that were not present at birth; the patches were initially diagnosed as PWS, but later developed features typical of morphea.

Erythematous vascular patches were noted on the face in three patients and on the leg in one patient at presentation. The age at onset ranged from 18 months to 5 years. Biopsy exam results were consistent with PWS in two patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) …