CLOVES syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder. It's named for the combination of vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint abnormalities that make up the syndrome:
CLOVES and other rare conditions that can cause similar symptoms are often called overgrowth disorders.
Children who have CLOVES syndrome are born with it. So far, it's been identified in fewer than 200 children.
CLOVES syndrome can cause:
CLOVES syndrome symptoms vary widely in combination and severity. Some children have mild symptoms, while others can have serious, life-threatening problems.
CLOVES is caused by a genetic mutation (an error in a person's genes). Sometimes, like with CLOVES, genes can mutate (change) on their own, with no known reason. It is not hereditary (passed down by parents to their children).
CLOVES is typically diagnosed at birth based on a baby's physical problems. Careful examination and advanced imaging tests (MRI, CT scan, ultrasound) might be needed to confirm a CLOVES diagnosis. Fetal diagnosis (while a baby is still in the womb) is sometimes possible. But because CLOVES is so rare, it's still unknown to many health care providers.
CLOVES syndrome can cause problems that are similar to those of other rare disorders. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, Proteus syndrome, and hemihypertrophy also cause blood vessel overgrowth and abnormalities in certain body areas. To diagnose CLOVES, doctors will look for the syndrome's combination of vascular, skin, and spinal abnormalities.
There is no cure for CLOVES, but a team of health care specialists can help families manage the conditions and symptoms it causes. These specialists can include a vascular interventional radiologist, a general surgeon, a hematologist, a genetics doctor, a pathologist, a radiologist, a plastic surgeon, an orthopedic specialist, a neurosurgeon, and others.
Treatments for CLOVES include:
Early diagnosis is very important for kids with CLOVES. Evaluation and treatment with a multidisciplinary team specializing in vascular anomalies and vascular malformations should start as soon as possible to help manage a child's specific symptoms and overall health.
Research into medicines and other treatments that can help kids with CLOVES is ongoing.
Reviewed by: Craig M. Johnson, DO
Date Reviewed: 31-08-2017