Vascular malformations

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the nomenclature and classification system of vascular malformations. 2. Evaluate these patients diagnostically. 3. Outline the surgical and nonsurgical options for treating these lesions. SUMMARY: Vascular anomalies can be classified into two unique groups-hemangiomas and vascular malformations-based on their endothelial properties. The present review focuses on vascular malformations rather than hemangiomas. The authors address capillary malformations, lymphatic malformations, venous malformations, and arteriovenous malformations. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities are discussed with relevant case examples. A MEDLINE search was performed to gather all pertinent references. The physician treating these challenging lesions should ideally use a multidisciplinary team-based approach with multispecialty experience in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for the management of vascular malformations.