title: Multidisciplinary vascular malformations clinic in Hong Kong.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review clinical characteristics, imaging modalities, and treatment outcomes of patients referred to a multidisciplinary clinic for management of vascular malformations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  Multidisciplinary vascular malformation out-patient referral clinic in a teaching hospital in Hong Kong.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 141 attendees of the clinic from August 2005 to November 2011.
  
  
  METHODS
  Management and treatments offered, and responses to treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 141 patients, 46% were diagnosed to have low-flow vascular malformations, 16% were diagnosed to have high-flow vascular malformations, and 15% were diagnosed to have a haemangioma. Prior to attending the clinic, approximately one third (32%) of the patients had a clinical diagnosis that was consistent with the final diagnosis. Overall, the radiological and clinical diagnoses were consistent in 43% of the patients. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography were the most commonly used imaging modalities. Of the 73 patients who received active treatment, 70% had a good response, 12% had minimal improvement, 8% had no change, and 7% had a recurrence or a major complication; in 3% of the patients the outcome was unknown.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  From this retrospective case series, it is evident that confusion still exists over vascular malformations and haemangiomas. Multidisciplinary clinics have a role in providing an accurate diagnosis and facilitating appropriate management and treatment plans. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography had demonstrable utility in determining the extent of the lesions and flow type.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China.
authors.forename: Beverly C K
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.forename: C Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: San
authors.forename: Edgar Y K
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: Simon C H
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burd
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000379:methods; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler / Q000379:methods; D054079:Vascular Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Hemangioma; Patient care team; Port-wine stain