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Semin intervent Radiol 2019; 36(02): 149-160
DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1688432
Clinical Corner
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A Basic Introduction to Pediatric Vascular Anomalies

Sarah N. Eberson   *
1   Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
,
Sudhen B. Desai   *
2   Division of Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
,
Denise Metry
3   Department of Dermatology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 May 2019 (online)

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Vascular malformation classifications were first described by Mulliken and Glowacki in 1982, eventually forming the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classifications. Due to confusion with nomenclature and classification, in 2014 ISSVA simplified nomenclature for all practitioners, particularly for those less involved with direct treatments of vascular anomalies but critical to the initial evaluation and diagnosis of these lesions. This change was implemented to prevent patients receiving incorrect treatments secondary to mislabeling, misdiagnosis, and inappropriate referrals.

The major classification modification that was made during the 1982 Congress was the separation of vascular anomalies into two broad categories: vascular malformations and vascular tumors or hemangiomas. The definition of hemangioma is a neoplasm with pathologic cell proliferation, while malformation is broadly defined as abnormally formed channels within a vascular apparatus lined by endothelial cells that do not undergo abnormal cellular turnover.[1] In this review, we will discuss the most common vascular birthmarks, according to the most recent ISSVA classification, and provide a pictorial guide to assist the practitioner with diagnosis.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflict of interest concerning the findings specified in this article.


* The first two authors contributed equally to this work, in the role of mentor and trainee.