ACQUIRED PORT‐WINE STAINS

BACKGROUND: An acquired port-wine stain is a rarely reported vascular lesion that mimics a congenital port-wine stain clinically, but is acquired after birth. METHODS: Clinical and histologic information concerning ten patients with acquired port-wine stains was recorded. Stains of seven of these patients were treated with either the copper vapor or pulsed dye laser. RESULTS: Collected information suggests that many acquired port-wine stains are idiopathic in nature. Light microscopic examination of tissue showed vascular dilation identical to that seen in congenital port-wine stains. Results of laser treatment were excellent in four patients, good in one patient, and poor in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although some differences exist, acquired port-wine stains are similar to congenital port-wine stains in their clinical morphology, histologic findings, and response to laser treatment.