CMTC can be characterized by dark purple to red, purple reticulated vascular pattern intermixed with telangiectasia and occasionally prominent veins.[5][6] They can be localized or generalized and usually present at birth.[3][4] The localized variant is said to be more common, affecting about 60% of children with the disease, while the generalized form is said to occur in about 40% of children with CMTC.[4] When localized, it presents in a segmental fashion with a midline demarcation usually affecting the lower limbs followed by trunk and face.[2] Generalized forms of CMTC tend to spare palms, soles, and mucous membranes while most commonly affecting the trunk, limbs, face, and scalp[4].

Areas of skin that are enclosed by the reticulated pattern may be normal, erythematous, atrophic, and or even ulcerated.[7] The purple mottling of the lesions may be enhanced in a cold environment; however, the persistent mottling of the skin after warming is a diagnostic pearl of CMTC.[3] Some lesions can be blanched readily on palpation, while other lesions may be partly obliterated even with firm pressure.[2] Hypotrophy of the affected limb is the most common associated finding. However, hypertrophy of the limb may also be seen.[1]

Diagnosis of CMTC is clinical; however, imaging studies are indicated when an associated congenital anomaly is suspected. Consider evaluation by ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and/or vascular cosmetic surgery depending on the presenting associated abnormality. Limb girth and length measurements should be monitored on follow up.[4] Affected patients should be screened for associated anomalies for at least three years.[1]

CMTC usually does not require the treatment of skin lesions. Prognosis is overall good, with greater than half of the patients experiencing improvement of skin lesions.[1][7] Fading of erythema and marmoration during the first two years of life can be seen most probably due to the normal thickening and maturation of the skin.[1][7] The skin lesions rarely disappear completely.[1][7] Avoidance of cold, vasodilators, aspirin, pentoxifylline, PUVA are the many reported treatments that have shown varying results.[6] Studies have shown CMTC generally respond poorly to laser therapy.[3] If ulceration is present, treat infected areas and use occlusive dressings if needed.

Several anomalies associated with CMTC have been reported, varying between 18.8% to 70% of cases.[1] Hypotrophy of the affected limb is the most common associated finding. However, hypertrophy of the limb may also be seen.[3] Skeletal, neurological, ocular, and vascular defects can be observed, especially in patients with generalized CMTC. Skeletal defects that have seen include syndactyly, hip dysplasia, clubfoot, cleft palate, micrognathia, triangular face, scaphoid scapulae, dystrophic teeth, high-arched palate, short stature, and tendinitis stenosans.[2][3][4] Neurological defects that have been associated include neonatal hypotonia, meningioma, developmental delay, mental retardation, and seizures.[2][3] Congenital glaucoma is the most commonly associated ocular anomaly seen in CMTC, retinal detachment and retinoblastoma can also be seen.[3][7] Due to the risk of blindness secondary to glaucoma, tonometry should be performed if there are any facial lesions or a high index of suspicion.[1][7] Rarely, acral cyanosis and neonatal ascites have also been reported.[2]

Associated vascular anomalies such as port-wine stains, angiokeratomas, hemangiomas, Mongolian spots have been reported with port wine stains being the most frequently observed.[5] Imaging studies are indicated when an associated congenital anomaly is suspected. Consider evaluation by ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and/or vascular cosmetic surgery depending on the presenting associated abnormality. Limb girth and length measurements should be monitored on follow up.[4] In addition, affected patients should be screened for associated anomalies for at least three years.

The differential diagnosis of CMTC includes physiological cutis marmorata, Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome, Sturge-Weber syndrome, Adams-Oliver syndrome, Bockenheimer disease, and reticular hemangioma syndrome, among other disorders with a similar cutaneous presentation.[2][4][5][6] Physiological cutis marmorata presents in a similar reticular symmetric pattern over the trunk and extremities, however, unlike CMTC. The vascular pattern disappears with local warming.[4][5] In Klippel-Trenanuany syndrome (KTS), port wine stains, venous varicosities, and soft-tissue hypertrophy, and sometimes internal hemangiomas can be seen.[4] The absence of venectasia until the age of one year should aid in the differentiation of CMTC from KTS. Sturge-Weber syndrome can be characterized by facial port-wine stains, seizures, mental retardation, glaucoma, as well as cerebral malformations and tumors.[1] Adams-Oliver syndrome should be ruled out as mottling consistent with CMTC can be seen along with cardiac malformations, limb defects, and aplasia cutis congenita.[1]

Bodenheimer disease (diffuse phlebectasia) presents with diffuse large and painful venous ectasias, usually affecting one limb in contrast to CMTC. This disorder usually has an onset at childhood with gradual progression.[1] Reticular hemangioma syndrome presents with vascular anomalies and is distinguished by the coexistence of anogenital-urinary-sacral anomalies, intractable ulceration, and sometimes cardiac failure.[2] Additionally, Divry Van Boageart syndrome, homocystinuria, Down syndrome, Cornelia de Lange syndrome, and neonatal lupus erythematosus are disorders that can be associated with a physiological cutis marmorata and must also be considered in the differential diagnosis.[2][4]

Prognosis is overall good with greater than half of the patients experiencing improvement of skin lesions.[1][7]

Consider evaluation by ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and/or vascular cosmetic surgery depending on the presenting associated abnormality. 

CMTC usually does not require the treatment of skin lesions. Prognosis is overall good with greater than half of the patients experiencing improvement of skin lesions.[1][7] However, when a diagnosis of CMTC is reached it is imperative to rule out and treat or manage any associated anomalies. Dermatology nurses and nurse practitioners can be involved in care, provided education, follow up, and arranging consultations when needed. [Level 5]