Endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding from multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia: limited efficacy and complications

Clinical variability in multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia: a review of the literature

Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia (MLT) is a recently recognized disorder characterized by vascular lesions marked by distinct endothelial proliferation. Lesions affect multiple tissues, and MLT can be associated with refractory thrombocytopenia resulting in life-threatening bleeding. Diagnosing MLT may be challenging given its rarity and phenotypic variability. There is no consensus on the optimal management or treatment duration. We report a 4-month-old male who presented with multiple vascular malformations involving the gastrointestinal tract, lung, bones, choroid plexus, and spleen, with minimal cutaneous involvement and no thrombocytopenia. Wedge resection of a pulmonary nodule was strongly positive for lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 favoring MLT despite the lack of thrombocytopenia. The patient's clinical symptoms and vascular lesions improved on sirolimus therapy. We review the literature to highlight the clinical variability of MLT and discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic options for MLT.

Colorectal Vascular Anomalies

Vascular anomalies represent a diverse group of tumors and malformations. Those involving the colon and rectum can greatly impact patients' quality of life. Proper workup to ensure the correct diagnosis can vary and may include endoscopic and radiographic studies. These lesions can also be challenging to treat and often require a multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best possible outcome. Treatment can include medical therapy, sclerotherapy, endoscopic, and operative intervention. Many patients will require multimodal therapy. We discuss the workup and management of vascular lesions of the colon and rectum.

Long-term Complications and Management of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Multifocal Lymphangioendotheliomatosis

Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia is a rare disease characterized by multiple cutaneous and gastrointestinal (GI) vascular lesions and thrombocytopenia refractory to platelet and blood cell transfusions. GI bleeding can become life-threatening in this condition. We report a case of multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia in a male infant with isolated GI involvement, diagnosed when he was 3 months old. The patient was managed with daily aminocaproic acid, octreotide drip, and corticosteroids for 13 months after diagnosis; he had complete resolution of symptoms by 2 years of age and showed adequate height and gain by 5 years of age. This case adds to the paucity of data in the literature pertaining to the disease's phenotypic variability, long-term clinical course, and management of GI bleeding.

Multifocal Lymphangioendotheliomatosis with Thrombocytopenia: Presentation of Two Cases Treated with Sirolimus

Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia (MLT) is a rare disease characterized by congenital and progressive vascular lesions of the skin and gastrointestinal tract that may be associated with thrombocytopenia and possibly life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding. Reports published on the disease and treatment strategies are scarce. We present two cases of MLT treated with sirolimus.

Orthotopic liver transplant for multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia

An eight-yr-old female with a history of multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis and thrombocytopenia presented for MVT. The patient had multiple vascular lesions in the skin and stomach in infancy. Although her cutaneous lesions resolved with vincristine and methylprednisolone, her gastric lesions persisted. Eight yr later, she was diagnosed with portal hypertension and decompensating liver function despite therapy with bevacizumab, propranolol, furosemide, and spironolactone. Upon presentation, she was found to have a Kasabach-Merritt-like coagulopathy in association with multiple lesions in her GI tract and persistent gastric lesions. Although treatment with methylprednisolone and sirolimus normalized her coagulation factors and d-dimer levels, she never developed sustained improvement in her thrombocytopenia. Her liver function continued to deteriorate and she developed hepatorenal syndrome. Given better outcomes after OLT in comparison with MVT, she underwent OLT, with the plan to manage her GI lesions with APC post-transplant. Post-transplant, her liver function and coagulopathy normalized, and GI tract lesions disappeared upon screening with capsule endoscopy. The patient is doing well, without recurrence of either GI lesions or thrombocytopenia, at 18 months after transplantation.

Recent advances in the pathobiology and management of Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon

Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon (KMP) refers to the clinical constellation of thrombocytopenia, consumptive coagulopathy and purpura associated with Kaposiform haemangioedothelioma or tufted angioma, but not the more common infantile haemangioma. It shows a variable and unpredictable response to traditional pharmacological agents, such as steroids, vincristine or interferon alpha 2a or 2b. More recently, the interaction between platelets and endothelial cells and the proangiogenic phenotype that results has been recognized to underly the pathogenesis of this disorder. Recent efforts have attempted to target the platelet by using antiplatelet agents and by the withholding of platelet transfusions even in those patients who have significant thrombocytopenia and laboratory evidence of coagulopathy. Excellent response rates and prompt results have been achieved by combining antiplatelet therapy with vincristine, without the need for steroid use. This synergistic approach moves away from the conventional wisdom of treating the underlying lesion to control the coagulopathy. Sirolimus, which is directed against the PI3/AKT/mTOR downstream signalling pathway involved in lymphangiogenesis, has also shown promising results, although further study is needed.