Treatment of phacomatosis pigmentovascularis: A combined multiple laser approach

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Phacomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) consists of a capillary malformation with a variety of melanocytic lesions, which involve various regions of the body and are difficult to treat with conventional therapeutic tools. OBJECTIVE. We described two cases with PPV (type IIa and IIb) that were successfully treated with different lasers. METHODS. The areas involved by both melanocytic lesions and port-wine stains were treated using the Q-switched ruby laser, the Q-switched Alexandrite laser, and the flashlamp pumped pulsed-dye laser. RESULTS. Removal of a good portion of cutaneous and vascular lesions using combined multiple laser approach was achieved after 6 sessions in the first case under general anesthesia and after 31 sessions under local anesthesia in the second case. CONCLUSION. PPV type II can be treated successfully by laser treatment. We prefer to start combined multiple laser treatment of PPV in childhood period under general anesthesia because it will reduce the number of treatment, improve the patient's quality of life, and increase the cost-effectiveness of the treatment.