What are vascular malformations?
Vascular malformations are:
- Congenital anomalies of blood vessels, present at birth but may become noticeable later.
- Classified into types like venous malformations, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and lymphatic malformations.
- Slow-flow (venous, lymphatic) or fast-flow (AVMs) based on blood flow through the affected vessels.
How are lymphatic malformations diagnosed?
Lymphatic malformations are diagnosed by:
- Clinical examination, identifying soft, fluid-filled swellings, often present at birth or by 2 years of age.
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MRI used for confirming diagnosis and determining the extent of disease.
What treatment options exist for lymphatic malformations?
Treatment for lymphatic malformations includes:
- Sclerotherapy: Injection of sclerosing agents to induce fibrosis.
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Surgery: For macro cystic lesions, or when other methods are not effective.
- Laser Therapy: Used for limited disease, especially in airway or oral mucosa.
What are capillary malformations and how are they treated?
Capillary malformations (CMs) are:
- Sporadic lesions consisting of dilated capillary-like channels, often referred to as port-wine stains.
- Treated primarily with laser therapy, such as Flash lamp-pumped Pulsed Dye Laser (FPDL), to fade the redness over multiple sessions.
What complications can arise from venous malformations?
Complications of venous malformations include:
- Pain and swelling: Due to venous congestion and thrombosis.
- Airway obstruction: Particularly when they occur in the head and neck regions.
- Recurrence after treatment: Especially when not completely excised.
How are arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) managed?
Management of AVMs involves:
- Embolization: Blocking abnormal blood vessels to reduce blood flow and prepare for surgery.
- Surgical Excision: Removal of AVM tissue, often following embolization to minimize bleeding.
- Regular monitoring: Due to the high risk of recurrence and potential life-threatening complications.