Proteus syndrome.

A case of Proteus syndrome is presented, in which severe hemihypertrophy of the left trunk and left lower extremity, scoliosis, endometriosis and huge bizarre-shaped body tumors were observed. Up to 22.6 kg of tumorous tissue was excised. This syndrome was first described in 1983. The name Proteus comes from a Greek mythical sea god who was able to change his body form freely. This syndrome has numerous features including hemihypertrophy, macrodactyly, various subcutaneous masses, scoliosis and other minor abnormalities. Although diagnostic criteria have been established for Proteus syndrome, which is very difficult to differentiate from other congenital hamartomatous syndromes, more case reports are needed to define such a rare disorder. Our patient is the 6th Japanese case in the English literature. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel