Management challenges of a large upper extremity vascular malformation in a patient with capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome

We describe a 17-year-old boy with capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome and a massive vascular malformation of the right chest wall, shoulder, and upper arm. Persistent growth of the malformation caused cutaneous ulcerations and recurrent massive bleeding episodes. We proceeded with a modified shoulder disarticulation preceded by ligation of the subclavian artery and innominate vein by median sternotomy. After a staged debulking resection of the residual chest wall arteriovenous malformation with rotational transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap coverage, the patient was discharged home safely. This report demonstrates that a multidisciplinary approach is critical for management of life-threatening complications in capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation patients.