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Living with Lymphedema-cerebral arteriovenous anomaly syndrome

An extremely rare inherited condition with a brain blood vessel difference, foot swelling, and high blood pressure in the lung arteries.

Understanding Lymphedema-cerebral arteriovenous anomaly syndrome

Lymphedema-cerebral arteriovenous anomaly syndrome is a rare condition that combines a brain blood vessel malformation, foot lymphedema, and primary pulmonary hypertension.

These features occur in varying combinations. It has been described in a woman and four of her children. GARD notes no further descriptions in medical papers since 1986. It begins in the teen years.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list. Its summary describes these features:

  • Brain blood vessel malformation
  • Swelling of the feet from lymph fluid (lymphedema)
  • High blood pressure in the lung arteries (primary pulmonary hypertension)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which specialists should check brain blood vessels and lung pressure?
Should other family members be screened?
How can the foot swelling be managed?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startTeenager
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

It is listed as autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of a gene is enough. GARD does not name a gene.

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Lymphedema-cerebral arteriovenous anomaly syndromeGARD ID 9217 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Lymphedema-cerebral arteriovenous anomaly syndrome.

Explore the Lymphedema-cerebral arteriovenous anomaly syndrome blog

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