What is Parkes-Weber Syndrome?
Parkes Weber syndrome (PWS) is a rare congenital (present at birth) vascular malformation that typically effects an extremity. They may initially appear similar to Klippel Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). However, the composition of PWS includes arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in addition to abnormal capillary, vein, and lymphatic channels.
Overgrowth can occur similar to KTS; however, PWS is considered a much more difficult problem to treat.
The AVM component confers additional risks and symptoms that require close monitoring. Hormonal influences and trauma to the involved area from injuries or surgery can cause a period of expansion or growth, accompanied by pain and limitation of function in the involved extremity. Heart failure can occur in severe cases.
Possible complications of PWS include:
- ulceration or skin breakdown
- severe pulsatile bleeding from friable skin surfaces
- swelling and pain
- joint stiffness
- cardiac failure from overworking the heart
Why choose Dr Panossian
- He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
- Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
- Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
- Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
- Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
- Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
- Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
- Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
- He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
- Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
- Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
- Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
