title: Differentiation and treatment of hemangiomas and arteriovenous malformations.
abstract: Confusion exists about the differentiation of hemangiomas and other congenital vascular anomalies although they are the most common type of birth defect. During the past 10 years, these lesions have been reclassified on a pathophysiological basis which assists in defining their prognosis and treatment. Hemangiomas are broken down into three categories, those which affect the afferent capillary bed and may involute, efferent venous or lymphatic lesions which grow with the patient, and progressively growing vascular hamartomas which affect both venous and arterial limbs of the circulation and may threaten with limb loss or congestive heart failure. The afferent-efferent lesions require a multidisciplinary approach with close follow-up for their successful management.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Hardin
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Moynihan
mesh_terms: D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D013848:Thigh / Q000098:blood supply*