Vascular malformation: Difference between revisions

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'''Vascular malformation''' is a general term that includes congenital vascular anomalies of only veins, only lymph vessels, both veins and lymph vessels, or both arteries and veins. Vascular malformations are always present at birth, even if they are not visible.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Types==
| name            = Vascular malformation
There are several types of vascular malformations, including:
| image          = [[File:Port-wine_stain_on_leg.jpg|250px]]
 
| caption        = Port-wine stain on leg, a type of vascular malformation
* [[Venous malformation]]: These are the most common type of vascular malformation. They are composed of ectatic veins with a single layer of endothelial cells. They can occur anywhere in the body and can cause pain, swelling, and skin changes.
| field          = [[Vascular surgery]], [[Dermatology]]
 
| synonyms        =
* [[Lymphatic malformation]]: These are malformations of the lymphatic system. They can be macrocystic, microcystic, or a combination of both. They can cause swelling and deformity, and can be associated with overgrowth of the affected limb.
| symptoms        = Visible skin discoloration, [[swelling]], [[pain]]
 
| complications  = [[Bleeding]], [[ulceration]], [[infection]]
* [[Arteriovenous malformation]]: These are fast-flow lesions that can cause high-output heart failure, bleeding, and skin changes. They are often associated with a bruit or thrill.
| onset          = Congenital
 
| duration        = Lifelong
* [[Capillary malformation]]: These are also known as port-wine stains. They are flat, pink to red lesions that can occur anywhere on the body. They can be associated with other syndromes, such as Sturge-Weber syndrome and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome.
| causes          = Developmental anomalies of the vascular system
 
| risks          =
==Diagnosis==
| diagnosis      = [[Physical examination]], [[imaging studies]]
The diagnosis of a vascular malformation is often made with a combination of clinical examination and imaging studies. Imaging studies that may be used include [[ultrasound]], [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI), and [[computed tomography]] (CT) scans. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
| differential    = [[Hemangioma]], [[angiokeratoma]]
 
| prevention      = None
==Treatment==
| treatment      = [[Laser therapy]], [[sclerotherapy]], [[surgery]]
The treatment of vascular malformations depends on the type of malformation and the symptoms it is causing. Treatment options may include [[surgery]], [[sclerotherapy]], [[laser therapy]], and [[embolization]]. In some cases, no treatment is necessary.
| medication      =
 
| prognosis      = Variable, depends on type and location
==See also==
| frequency      =
}}
[[File:Lymphangioma_of_the_left_side_of_the_tongue_Wellcome_L0062760.jpg|thumb|Lymphangioma of the tongue]]
[[File:3D_Picture_of_Hand.jpg|thumb|3D image of a hand showing vascular structures]]
A '''vascular malformation''' is a type of [[blood vessel]] abnormality that is present at birth and can affect veins, arteries, capillaries, or lymphatic vessels. These malformations are typically classified based on the type of vessel involved and can vary significantly in their presentation and severity.
== Types ==
Vascular malformations are generally categorized into several types:
* '''[[Capillary malformation]]s''': These include conditions such as [[port-wine stain]]s, which are flat, pink, or red marks on the skin caused by dilated capillaries.
* '''[[Venous malformation]]s''': These are caused by abnormally formed veins and can lead to swelling and pain.
* '''[[Arteriovenous malformation]]s (AVMs)''': These involve a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which can disrupt normal blood flow and oxygen circulation.
* '''[[Lymphatic malformation]]s''': These are caused by abnormal development of the lymphatic system and can result in fluid-filled cysts.
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of vascular malformations depend on their type and location. Common symptoms include:
* Visible skin discoloration or marks
* Swelling or lumps
* Pain or discomfort
* Bleeding or ulceration in severe cases
== Diagnosis ==
Diagnosis of vascular malformations typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]], [[MRI]], or [[CT scan]]. These tests help determine the type and extent of the malformation.
== Treatment ==
Treatment options vary based on the type and severity of the malformation. They may include:
* [[Laser therapy]] for capillary malformations
* [[Sclerotherapy]] to shrink venous malformations
* Surgical removal in certain cases
* [[Embolization]] for arteriovenous malformations
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for individuals with vascular malformations varies. Some malformations may remain stable or improve over time, while others may require ongoing management to prevent complications.
== See Also ==
* [[Hemangioma]]
* [[Hemangioma]]
* [[Angiogenesis]]
* [[Lymphangioma]]
* [[Vascular disease]]
* [[Arteriovenous malformation]]
 
[[Category:Vascular diseases]]
[[Category:Vascular diseases]]
[[Category:Congenital disorders]]
[[Category:Skin conditions resulting from errors in metabolism]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 07:02, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Vascular malformation
Synonyms
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Visible skin discoloration, swelling, pain
Complications Bleeding, ulceration, infection
Onset Congenital
Duration Lifelong
Types N/A
Causes Developmental anomalies of the vascular system
Risks
Diagnosis Physical examination, imaging studies
Differential diagnosis Hemangioma, angiokeratoma
Prevention None
Treatment Laser therapy, sclerotherapy, surgery
Medication
Prognosis Variable, depends on type and location
Frequency
Deaths N/A


Lymphangioma of the tongue
3D image of a hand showing vascular structures

A vascular malformation is a type of blood vessel abnormality that is present at birth and can affect veins, arteries, capillaries, or lymphatic vessels. These malformations are typically classified based on the type of vessel involved and can vary significantly in their presentation and severity.

Types[edit]

Vascular malformations are generally categorized into several types:

  • Capillary malformations: These include conditions such as port-wine stains, which are flat, pink, or red marks on the skin caused by dilated capillaries.
  • Venous malformations: These are caused by abnormally formed veins and can lead to swelling and pain.
  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): These involve a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which can disrupt normal blood flow and oxygen circulation.
  • Lymphatic malformations: These are caused by abnormal development of the lymphatic system and can result in fluid-filled cysts.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of vascular malformations depend on their type and location. Common symptoms include:

  • Visible skin discoloration or marks
  • Swelling or lumps
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Bleeding or ulceration in severe cases

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of vascular malformations typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging studies such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan. These tests help determine the type and extent of the malformation.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment options vary based on the type and severity of the malformation. They may include:

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with vascular malformations varies. Some malformations may remain stable or improve over time, while others may require ongoing management to prevent complications.

See Also[edit]