Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome begins with a physical exam in which your doctor:

• Asks you questions about your family and medical history
• Visually examines you for varicose veins and blood vessels that cause reddish-purple skin discoloration (port-wine stains)
• Visually evaluates growth of your bones and soft tissues

Several diagnostic tests can help your doctor evaluate blood flow and determine the type and severity of your condition:

• Duplex scanning. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of your blood vessels.
• X-rays. An X-ray image helps your doctor see your bones and measure their length.
• Magnetic resonance angiography. This procedure helps your doctor differentiate between bone, fat, muscle and blood vessels.
• CT scan. A CT scan creates 3-D images of your body that help your doctor look for blood clots in veins.
• Contrast venography. This procedure involves injecting a dye into your veins and taking X-rays that can reveal abnormal veins, blockages or blood clots.