Dr. Perlstein received his Medical Degree from the University of Cincinnati and then completed his internship and residency in pediatrics at The New York Hospital, Cornell medical Center in New York City. After serving an additional year as Chief Pediatric Resident, he worked as a private practitioner and then was appointed Director of Ambulatory Pediatrics at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Intelligence is usually not impaired in Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber. However, when there are
hemangiomas on the face (facial hemangiomatosis), there may also be hemangiomas
in the brain which can cause
seizures (convulsions) or
mental retardation.
Fortunately, such problems are rare in Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber.
What is the basic defect in Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber
syndrome?
It is not completely known, but some researches believe part of the defect is
related to the control of angiogenic cells (precursors of blood vessels). Others
believe it is caused by some injury to the developing embryo within the womb,
resulting in venous compression and resultant abnormal venous pressures, causing
varicosities and limb enlargement. In other words, we don't currently know the
precise events that lead to the development of Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber.
What causes Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber
syndrome?
Most cases of Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber are sporadic. They occur without warning, with no prior
case in the family; however recently there have been some cases that run in
families.
What is the prognosis (outlook) with Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber
syndrome?
Most persons with Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber have an enlarged leg and they do relatively well
without any significant treatment. It can be helpful to wear compression
stockings to prevent venous pooling in the affected extremity (varicose vein
management). However, some Klippel-Trènaunay-Weber patients do have considerable pain. Skin ulcers,
infections and other skin problems can occur, but usually the treatment is
conservative. Surgery is almost never needed.
Glaucoma is a common eye condition in which the fluid pressure inside the eye rises because of slowed fluid drainage from the eye. If untreated, glaucoma may damage the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, causing the loss of vision or even blindness.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the person has seizures. There are two kinds of seizures, focal and generalized. There are many causes of epilepsy. Treatment of epilepsy (seizures) depends upon the cause and type of seizures experienced.
Varicose vein: A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and bulging veins are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. Spider veins are a group of widened veins that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
Birthmarks and other abnormal skin pigmentation is caused by the body's inability to produce enough melanin. Abnormal skin pigmentation can cause conditions such as vitiligo, pigmentation loss, melasma, albinism, port wine stains, macular stains and hemangioma.
Birth defects have many causes and currently, are the leading cause of death for infants in the first year of life. Some of the causes of birth defects include genetic or chromosome problems. Exposure of the mother to rubella or German measles during pregnancy, or using drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. The treatment for birth defects depends upon the condition of the effected child.
Heart failure is caused by many conditions including coronary artery disease, heart attack, cardiomyopathy, and conditions that overwork the heart. Symptoms of heart failure include congested lungs, fluid and water retention, dizziness, fatigue and weakness, and rapid or irregular heartbeats.