title: The current management of vascular birthmarks.
abstract: Two vascular birthmarks are hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Hemangiomas grow by cellular proliferation. Their hallmark is rapid neonatal growth. Spontaneous regression begins when the infant is 6 to 10 months old, but it may continue until 8 to 10 years of age. Hemangiomas are infrequently life-threatening. Pharmacologic treatment is indispensible; unsightly sequelae require surgical treatment. Vascular malformations consist of dysplastic vessels and are present on a lifelong basis. They are either slow-flow (capillary, venous, lymphatic) or fast-flow anomalies with arteriovenous shunting. Complex combined vascular malformations are observed as well. Ten years ago angiographic studies clearly demonstrated the differences among the various lesions. Today a noninvasive diagnostic approach is recommended, particularly in children. Ultrasonography, Doppler flow imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging are the most informative techniques, revealing the extent of tissue involvement and differentiating fast-flow from slow-flow anomalies. Risks and management differ depending on the type of vascular malformation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroradiology, Hôpital Lariboisière, Paris, France.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Enjolras
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Mulliken
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000151:congenital* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male