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 acq uired after birth. Methods. Clinical and histologic information concer ning ten patients with acquired port-wine stains was recorded. Stains of seven of these patients were treated with either the copper vapor o r 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 excell ent in four patients, good in one patient, and poor in two patients. C onclusions. Although some differences exist, acquired port-wine stains are similar to congenital port-wine stains in their clinical morpholo gy, histologic findings, and response to laser treatment.