Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2024 Apr 23;15(3):415-430.
doi: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_633_23. eCollection 2024 May-Jun.

Vascular Malformations

Neetu Bhari  1 , Akash Agarwal  2 , C V V Asritha  3 , Maitreyee Panda  3 , Rahul Mahajan  4
Affiliations
Review

Vascular Malformations

Neetu Bhari et al. Indian Dermatol Online J. .

Abstract

Vascular malformations are intricate anomalies of the circulatory system, presenting a diverse array of clinical manifestations, and posing significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. The pathogenesis of vascular malformations is explored through the lens of genetic and molecular mechanisms, shedding light on the pivotal role of somatic mutations and dysregulated signaling pathways. Clinical presentations of vascular malformations are widely variable, ranging from cosmetic concerns to life-threatening complications. The utility of imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and angiography, are discussed in detail, emphasizing their role in precise delineation and characterization. Therapeutic strategies for vascular malformations are multifaceted, considering factors such as lesion size, location, potential complications, and patient-specific factors. Traditional interventions, including surgical excision and embolization, are appraised alongside emerging approaches like targeted molecular therapies and minimally invasive procedures. The manuscript underscores the need for an individualized treatment approach, optimizing outcomes while minimizing risks and complications. In summation, this manuscript offers a comprehensive analysis of vascular malformations, encompassing their underlying pathogenesis, clinical nuances, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic considerations. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting gaps in understanding, this review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and medical practitioners, fostering an enhanced comprehension of vascular malformations and paving the way for improved patient care and innovative research endeavors.

Keywords: Arterial; lymphatic; vascular malformations; venous.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
An algorithmic approach to vascular lesions
Figure 2
Figure 2
Port wine stain: dusky erythematous plaque over the lateral aspect of face and neck
Figure 3
Figure 3
Dermoscopy of port wine stain showing broken network of thin vessels and dots (Dermlite 4, Polarised, 10x)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Port wine stain showing multiple dilated capillaries in upper and mid dermis (H and E, 40x)
Figure 5
Figure 5
Venous malformation: Bluish soft painless compressible swellings over the left arm
Figure 6
Figure 6
Glomuvenous malformation: Single soft tender bluish swelling present since birth
Figure 7
Figure 7
Blue rubber bleb syndrome: Multiple soft bluish nodules over the trunk
Figure 8
Figure 8
Verrucous venous malformation: Dusky erythematous hyperkeratotic plaques in a linear distribution
Figure 9
Figure 9
Dermoscopy of verrucous venous malformation showing clustered dots and globules with loop, comma-shaped vessels, circumferential white lines (200x)
Figure 10
Figure 10
Histopathology of verrucous venous malformation showing epidermal acanthosis, papillomatosis, and dilated and congested blood vessels in the dermis (H and E, 40x)
Figure 11
Figure 11
Stewart–Bluefarb syndrome presenting as dusky erythematous plaques over the lower limb in patient with underlying arteriovenous malformation
Figure 12
Figure 12
Lymphatic malformation: Grouped clear fluid-filled vesicles over the chest
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Urban P, Philipp CM, Poetke M, Berlien HP. Value of colour coded duplex sonography in the assessment of haemangiomas and vascular malformations. Med Laser Appl. 2005;20:267–78.
    1. Kunimoto K, Yamamoto Y, Jinnin M. ISSVA classification of vascular anomalies and molecular biology. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23:2358. doi: 10.3390/ijms23042358. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Claret-de Castro A, Mir-Bonafé M, Mir-Bonafé JM, Mir-Bonafé JF. Meyerson phenomenon over nuchal nevus simplex. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2021;11:e2020098. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Juern AM, Glick ZR, Drolet BA, Frieden IJ. Nevus simplex: A reconsideration of nomenclature, sites of involvement, and disease associations. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010;63:805–14. - PubMed
    1. Pasyk KA, Wlodarczyk SR, Jakobczak MM, Kurek M, Aughton DJ. Familial medial telangiectatic nevus: Variant of nevus flammeus--port-wine stain. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1993;91:1032–41. - PubMed