Serviço de Radiologia, Hospital de Dona Estefânia, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, EPE
RSNA 2013
Introduction:
There are two main types of vascular anomalies:
- Vascular tumors (the most common type is infantile hemangioma, but other rare vascular tumors occur in children as well as in adults)
- Vascular malformations
Vascular tumors have been differentiated from vascular malformations based on their clinical appearance, radiological and pathological features, and biological behavior.
Objectives:
To know and recognize the spectrum of vascular anomalies in children
Discussion:
Typically, the diagnosis is made clinically. Imaging is used to clarify difficult cases and aid in the planning of potential endovascular or surgical intervention. US used for initial screening. Color and spectral Doppler allows interrogation of lesion vascularity and type of vessels present. CT and MRI are helpful to evaluate the extent, further characterization and treatment planning.
The use of the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification system is aimed to standardize the description of vascular abnormalities, allowing a more accurate characterization and appropriate management.
Key Words: Vascular tumors; congenital vascular malformations; US; CT; MRI.