Abstract
Vascular anomalies are a common cause of soft-tissue masses in children and often
referred for ultrasonographic (USG) evaluation. They are broadly classified as vascular
tumors (hemangiomas, hemangioendotheliomas, and angiosarcomas) or vascular malformations
(venous malformations, lymphatic malformations, and arteriovenous malformations).
Findings on USG and Doppler imaging can be used to categorize vascular anomalies into
high- or low-flow lesions, which forms the basis for further workup, diagnosis, and
management. On careful evaluation of various sonographic features, in conjunction
with clinical findings, an accurate clinicoradiological diagnosis can be made in most
cases. Further imaging with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging or computed tomography
(CT) helps in delineation of lesion extent, whereas MR or CT angiography is useful
to map the vascular supply of high-flow lesions. We have illustrated and discussed
a step-by-step approach to diagnose vascular anomalies using ultrasound and Doppler
imaging.
Keywords
arteriovenous malformation - doppler - hemangioma - lymphatic malformation - vascular
anomalies - vascular malformations - venous malformation
