title: Imaging of congenital vascular and lymphatic anomalies of the head and neck.
abstract: Congenital lymphatic and vascular malformations and infantile hemangiomas can be combined under the heading of endothelial malformations. Based on their biologic behavior, endothelial malformations can be divided into two groups: infantile hemangiomas and vascular malformations. Vascular malformations can be subdivided into lymphatic, capillary, venous, and arteriovenous malformations. Often frightening for the patient and the patient's family, some endothelial malformations, however, will resolve; yet others can lead to long-term disfigurement and even can be fatal-due to airway obstruction, secondary infection, or exsanguination. When recognized early, however, the appropriate therapy, or watchful waiting, can be initiated, and the long-term physical and psychological consequences of these malformations can be minimized.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Radiology Section, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7510, USA.
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Fordham
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Donnelly
mesh_terms: D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000002:abnormalities*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000002:abnormalities*; D009333:Neck / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000098:blood supply / Q000196:embryology; D011379:Prognosis