Syndromic vascular malformations related to the PIK3CA and RAS pathways: A clinical and imaging review

Clin Imaging. 2022 Sep:89:162-173. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2022.06.017. Epub 2022 Jul 2.

Abstract

Vascular malformations are a complex and diverse group of disorders. They may enlarge with time, impair quality of life, and even be fatal. While many are sporadic, others are part of inherited syndromes; several gene mutations responsible for vascular anomalies have been identified. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MEK/ERK cascades have been extensively studied, and new molecular agents targeting these cascades are being developed. Diagnostic imaging findings are increasingly used to guide genetic testing, and in some cases, pathognomonic imaging characteristics can lead to a specific diagnosis. We review each of the representative syndromes associated with PIK3CA and RAS cascades, with updates of the latest in clinical and imaging information.

Keywords: Imaging findings; Molecular targeted therapy; PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway; RAS/MEK/ERK pathway; Syndromic vascular malformations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / genetics
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Mutation
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases* / genetics
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases* / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • Quality of Life
  • Signal Transduction
  • Syndrome
  • Vascular Malformations* / diagnostic imaging
  • Vascular Malformations* / genetics
  • ras Proteins / genetics
  • ras Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • PIK3CA protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • ras Proteins