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Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) is a congenital localized or generalized vascular anomaly characterized by a persistent cutis marmorata pattern with a marbled bluish to deep purple appearance, spider nevus-like telangiectasia, phlebectasia and, occasionally, ulceration and atrophy of the affected skin.
Features include very common findings: Short lower limbs, Cutis marmorata, Abnormality of the skin, and Seizure and others; and common findings: Retinal detachment, Leukocoria, Aplasia/Hypoplasia of the skin, and Visible small blood vessels on skin (telangiectasia of the skin). 37 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Skin | 7 | Telangiectasia, Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita, Abnormality of the skin |
Isolated and classic cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) are considered capillary malformations by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. Clinically, CMTC is diagnosed by characteristic congenital erythematous-to-violaceous net-like or marbled areas of skin. Several groups have attempted to develop clinical diagnostic criteria , although no consensus clinical diagnostic criteria for isolated and classic CMTC have been universally accepted . For a proposed classification system for the physical findings of CMTC, see .
Isolated and classic CMTC should be suspected in individuals with the following clinical and family history findings.
No approved treatments are currently available for cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
No clinical practice guidelines for cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) have been published. Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with isolated and classic CMTC, the evaluations summarized (if not performed as part of the evaluation that led to the diagnosis) are recommended. Table 4. Recommended Evaluations Following Initial Diagnosis in Individuals with Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita
Table 6. Recommended Surveillance for Individuals with Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita
System/Concern |
|---|
No clinical trials have been registered for cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita.
24 publications have been identified in PubMed for cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita. Research spans Case Report / Case Series (58%), Other (17%), and Review / Meta-Analysis (13%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Patient case studies | 14 | 58% |
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 11:55 AM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
European rare disease database
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Arms and legs | 5 | Short lower limbs, Toe syndactyly, Abnormality of the lower limb |
Eyes | 2 | Retinal detachment, Glaucoma |
Brain and nerves | 2 | Seizure, Difficulty with thinking and memory (cognitive impairment) |
Growth and development | 2 | Intrauterine growth retardation, Asymmetric growth |
Bones and joints | 2 | Sideways curvature of the spine (scoliosis), Low bone density (reduced bone mineral density) |
Heart and blood vessels | 1 | Hypertension |
Kidneys and urinary system | 1 | Multicystic kidney dysplasia |
Head and neck | 1 | Orofacial cleft |
Hormones | 1 | Hypothyroidism |
Digestive system | 1 | Ascites |
To date, nearly 500 individuals with all clinical subtypes of cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC), including isolated and classic CMTC, have been published (reviewed in ). CMTC should be distinguished from cutis marmorata (CM), which is a normal physiologic finding that is apparent at rest in some newborns because of immaturity of the vascular system. CM consists of a homogeneous, fine, lacy, or reticular capillary change that worsens (or becomes apparent) with cold or emotion, completely (or nearly completely) resolves with warming, and usually fades by age four to six months. No ulcerations or skin atrophy are present.
Source: GeneReviews — "Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita"
Clinical findings
Source: GeneReviews — "Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita"
Isolated and classic cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita (CMTC) are congenital conditions; similar skin lesions occurring later in life are referred to as livedo reticularis or livedo racemosa (see A CMTC-like skin appearance seen later in life at the end of this section). The primary differential diagnosis for congenital isolated CMTC is physiologic cutis marmorata (CM). CM is a normal physiologic finding that is apparent at rest in a minority of newborns. CM consists of a homogeneous, fine, lacy, or reticular capillary change that worsens (or becomes apparent) with cold or emotion, completely (or nearly completely) resolves with warming, and usually fades by age four to six months. No ulcerations or skin atrophy are present. In contrast, while CMTC lesions often show changes with warming or strong emotion, the lesions do not rapidly resolve, regardless of the intervention. If complete or near-complete resolution occurs acutely with any intervention, the individual has physiologic CM, not CMTC. Syndromic CMTC refers to CMTC or CMTC-like lesions associated with a known syndrome . Some of these diagnoses have early-onset clinical and laboratory findings that rule out isolated and classic CMTC. For others, adhering to the diagnostic criteria proposed by minus the "absence of venectasia" criterion or using the diagnostic criteria described in should lead to correct identification of isolated or classic CMTC. Table 3. Syndromes of Known Genetic Cause in Which CMTC or CMTC-Like Lesions Are Present
Involved Genes /Chromosomes | Syndrome | Genetic Mechanism (MOI) | Key Features / Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
RBPJ | Adams-Oliver syndrome (OMIM PS100300) | Germline pathogenic variant(s) (AD, AR) | Should be suspected in any persons w/CMTC in combination w/aplasia cutis congenita of scalp, terminal transverse limb reduction defects, complex congenital heart disease, or dilated, tortuous vein(s) on scalp BRD4 HDAC8 NIPBL RAD21 SMC1A SMC3 |
Cornelia de Lange syndrome | Germline pathogenic variant (AD, XL)1 | Cutis marmorata that is much more prominent than expected is persistent (60% of affected persons); also assoc w/synophrys, growth failure, feeding difficulties, limb deformity, ID CBS | — |
MTHFR | Homocystinuria (See Homocystinuria Caused by Cystathionine Beta-Synthase Deficiency Homocystinuria due to MTHFR Deficiency.) | Germline pathogenic variants (AR) | Cutis marmorata that is much more prominent than expected persistent; also assoc w/tall stature, ectopia lentis, DD |
RASA1 | RASA1-related Parkes Weber syndrome (See Capillary Malformation-Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome.) | Germline pathogenic variant (AD) | Capillary malformations (sometimes reticulate or lace-like) ± overgrowth |
POLE | IMAGE-I syndrome (OMIM 618336)/ FILS syndrome (OMIM 615139) | Germline pathogenic variants (AR) | CMTC-like lesions (often present at birth), IUGR, s... |
Source: GeneReviews — "Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita"
Biomarker and diagnostic research for cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita has been reported in the published literature.
System/Concern | Evaluation | Comment |
|---|---|---|
Skin | Full skin exam to identify areas of skin atrophy ulceration | Consider referral to dermatologist. Musculoskeletal/ |
Pain | Assessment for significant limb asymmetry, abnormal joints, or weakness in affected limbs | Consider referral to orthopedist if gait is affected or leg length discrepancy is 1.5 cm. Assessment for chronic pain temperature dysregulation |
Eyes | Dilated eye exam w/intraocular pressure measurement peripheral vascular imaging (as soon as feasible) | To screen for glaucoma peripheral retinal vascular abnormalities Genetic |
counseling | By genetics professionals1 | To obtain a pedigree inform affected persons their families re nature, MOI (not typically inherited), implications of CMTC to facilitate medical personal decision making Family support resources |
Treatment of Manifestations in Individuals with Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita Manifestation/Concern | Treatment | Considerations/Other |
Skin ulceration | Ulcer care may need to be less aggressive than other wound treatments. | Since skin w/reticulate erythema does not heal like uninvolved skin, standard ulcer care is not typically sufficient. Ongoing cleaning of ulcer bed is needed. |
vascular lesions | Frequency-doubled Nd:YAG, Q-switched alexandrite, pulsed dye laser therapy may be tried but has mixed results depending on severity depth of lesions.2 | Anecdotally, some children worsen w/this therapy.; Laser therapy is typically not needed; usually done for cosmetic reasons. Chronic pain / Temperature |
dysregulation | Lumbar sympathetic blockade may be considered. | Used successfully to treat chronic pain marked temperature difference in an affected foot in 1 child w/classic CMTC3 Leg length |
discrepancy | Mild leg length discrepancy: shoe lifts or orthotics may be considered. | Severe leg length discrepancy: epiphysiodesis or limb lengthening surgery may be considered. |
hypoplastic limb | Physical therapy | Glaucoma peripheral retinal vascular |
abnormalities | Standard treatment per ophthalmologist | Issues related to physical appearance |
Source: GeneReviews — "Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita"
Avoid blood draws or IV placement in affected limbs because of potential vein fragility. Cold exposure of affected limbs may be painful for some people with CMTC.
Source: GeneReviews — "Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita"
View trials for cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita
Evaluation
Frequency |
|---|
Skin | Close monitoring for early signs of impending ulceration of skin | As determined at initial eval |
Musculoskeletal | Monitoring of limb length girth | Annually until skeletal maturity Assessment for pain, weakness, temperature dysregulation |
Eyes | Ophthalmologic eval to incl measurement of intraocular pressure consideration of peripheral retinal vascular imaging | Every 6 mos until age 4 yrs, then annually (throughout lifetime)1 or when there is ocular pain or visible corneal clouding |
Self-esteem | Monitoring of coping skills related to visible differences | Annually starting at school age 1. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Isolated and Classic Cutis Marmorata Telangiectatica Congenita"
Phenotype severity distribution: 9 very common features, 4 common features.
Estimated prevalence: <1 in 1,000,000 (VERY_RARE).
Other research
4 |
17% |
Research summaries | 3 | 13% |
Disease patterns and progression | 2 | 8% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 1 | 4% |
Shareef S (2026). [PMID: 30521220](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30521220/). *Unknown Journal*. [Other]
Amien A (2026). [PMID: 41967098](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41967098/). *Br J Dermatol*. [Other]
Bitar RA (2026). [PMID: 41705466](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41705466/). *Pediatr Dermatol*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
El Fekih I (2026). [PMID: 42124508](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42124508/). *Acta Derm Venereol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Wang OJE (2026). [PMID: 41814925](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41814925/). *Pediatr Dermatol*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Bryan M (2026). [PMID: 41579065](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41579065/). *Pediatr Blood Cancer*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Kamholtz I (2025). [PMID: 41366050](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41366050/). *Pediatr Res*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Makii R (2025). [PMID: 40717359](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40717359/). *Pediatr Int*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Amraoui W (2025). [PMID: 40082127](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40082127/). *J Fr Ophtalmol*. [Other]
Boia M (2025). [PMID: 40870895](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40870895/). *Diagnostics (Basel)*. [Case Report / Case Series]
AI-curated news mentioning cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita
Updated Sep 1, 2026
A case report highlights the use of topical sirolimus in treating refractory cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita in adults. This study contributes to the understanding of potential therapeutic options for this rare condition.
A recent publication explores cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita as an atypical presentation of vascular anomalies. This research adds to the understanding of the clinical manifestations associated with this rare condition.