Vascular Malformations: A Review

Abstract

Identification and treatment of vascular malformations is a challenging endeavor for physicians, especially given the great concern and anxiety created for patients and their families. The goal of this article is to provide a review of vascular malformations, organized by subtype, including capillary, venous, lymphatic and arteriovenous malformations. Only by developing a clear understanding of the clinical aspects, diagnostic tools, imaging modalities, and options for intervention will appropriate care be provided and results maximized.

Cutaneous findings of familial cerebral cavernous malformation syndrome due to the common Hispanic mutation

“…However, there has been debate whether PCMs represent a phenotypic expression of FCCM or are incidental findings (de Vos et al, ; Sirvente et al, ). PCMs have been reported in 3.1–3.2% of the patients with KRIT1 mutations, not dissimilar to the prevalence of capillary malformations in the general population (0.3–1.0%) (Cox, Bartlett, & Lee, ; Kanada, Merin, Munden, & Friedlander, ; Sidoroff, ; Sirvente et al, ). Our cohort had a higher prevalence with 10% of the 140 people having one or more PCM.…”

Percutaneous Ethanol Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations of the Oral Cavity and the Oropharynx

“…They grow proportionally with the growth of the body at a slow rate without regression (5). Several factors, such as trauma, failed surgical resection, alterations in the hormonal status (pregnancy, puberty, and use of steroids), thrombosis, or infection may cause expansion (2). VMs are composed of a network of thin-walled veins, deficient in smooth muscle, lined by a single endothelial layer, and dissect the host tissue (14).…”

“…They are composed of dilated venous spaces with slow blood flow (2,3). VMs are present at birth, but they usually manifest themselves by childhood or early adulthood.…”

“…Their growth is proportional with the growth of the body, and they typically do not regress (4)(5)(6). Several factors, such as trauma and puberty, may enlarge them (2). While VMs may occur in any tissue or viscera, they are usually seen in the head and neck region (3,7,8).…”

Venous malformations: clinical diagnosis and treatment

“…Although present at birth, they are not always clinically evident until later in life and tend to grow in concert with the child and without spontaneous regression (3). VMs are composed of ectatic venous channels found usually in the head, neck, limbs, and trunk and are thought to be sporadic in most cases, though familial inheritance patterns exist (4). Accurate diagnosis has been a limiting factor in VM management (5).…”