Megalencephaly-Capillary Malformation Syndrome: a Case Series with Expansion of Phenotype

Authors

  • M.R. Cordisco Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
  • E. Baselga Department of Dermatology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain.
  • D. Ako-Adjei Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
  • S. Persico Department of Medical Image J.P. Garrahan Children's Hospital Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • A. Lanoel Deparment of Dermatology, J.P. Garrahan Children's Hospital Buenos Aires Argentina
  • M.F. Greco Department of Dermatology Hospital Britanico de Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • M.F. Maccario Department of Pediatric Dermatology, Children's Hospital V.J. Vilela, Rosario, Argentina
  • G.M. Mirzaa Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington and Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children’s Research Hospital, Seattle, Washington
  • E. Fernandez Faith Division of Pediatric Dermatology, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8641-6730

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26326/2281-9649.36.1.2862

Keywords:

megalencephaly, vascular malformations

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Megalencephaly-capillary malformation polymicrogyria syndrome (MCAP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by megalencephaly, capillary malformation and somatic overgrowth, caused by somatic variants in PIK3CA. We report a case series of 12 patients with MCAP with a focus on clinical manifestations.

Methods: Retrospective case series at tertiary referral centers.

Results: 12 patients with MCAP syndrome were identified. All patients presented with reticulated capillary malformations, 50% had a combination of reticulated and confluent capillary malformations. A fronto-facial capillary malformation was present in a majority of patients (83%), with lumbosacral involvement in 42%. Two patients developed a benign, non-specific vascular tumor on the trunk. Digital anomalies, somatic overgrowth and neurologic manifestations of variable severity were present in all patients.

Conclusions: Clinical overlap exists between MCAP and other PIK3CA-related overgrowth spectrum disorders. Cutaneous manifestations are salient features of MCAP, their recognition is critical for an early diagnosis.

Published

2026-02-01

How to Cite

Cordisco, M. ., Baselga, E., Ako-Adjei, D., Persico, S., Lanoel, A., Greco, M., … Fernandez Faith, E. (2026). Megalencephaly-Capillary Malformation Syndrome: a Case Series with Expansion of Phenotype. European Journal of Pediatric Dermatology, 36(1), 4–14. https://doi.org/10.26326/2281-9649.36.1.2862

Issue

Section

Original articles