A vascular malformation is a condition where this network of vessels does not develop normally.

There are various types of vascular malformations in the body. The common types seen in practice are venous malformations and arterio-venous malformations. Venous malformations look like bluish or skin colored small soft lumps under the skin or they can be extremely large causing gross enlargement or deformity of the affected part. Arterio-venous malformations are usually more obvious at presentation associated with high blood flow in the affected part.

In the brain and spine, we usually see arteriovenous malformation or arteriovenous fistula. Other related conditions such as venous malformations, hemangiomas, lymphatic malformations are usually seen in locations such as face, head/neck region and rest of the body.

Where can a vascular malformation occur?

As mentioned above, they can occur anywhere in the body. One of the common areas affected is face, and head and neck region. They are also common in the limbs. One of the most critical locations is presence of arteriovenous malformations within the brain and spinal cord.

What is the age group?

Any age group can present first time with vascular malformation. Most of these grow with time. They are commonly seen in young patients. However, in some patients these present when they are older having slowly grown over the years.

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on their location in the body. The ones inside the brain are life-threatening. On the other hand, one of the commoner presentations can be as a soft lump in the facial region causing facial asymmetry that can be cosmetically disfiguring. They can also undergo repeated bleeding and can invade surrounding body structures, causing problems eventually.

Treatment Options

Vascular malformations usually required specialized care and management. These depend on the site, location and symptoms of the vascular malformation. Treatments include minimally invasive treatment methods or surgery or medical therapy in a selected subgroup of patients. Majority of the time, we can take care of them or at least control them using minimally invasive techniques. These minimally invasive techniques include sclerotherapy and embolization. A number of patients may require combination treatment often in multiple sessions. There is high risk of recurrence if not treated adequately or meticulously at the first instance. 

Embolization of Head and Neck Vascular Malformations

Embolisation is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to reduce blood flow within selected head and neck vascular malformations. A small catheter is guided into the blood vessels supplying the malformation, allowing embolic materials to be carefully delivered to reduce or block abnormal blood flow. Treatment may be performed to reduce symptoms, control bleeding, or prepare the malformation for further treatment, depending on its type, location and characteristics.

Sclerotherapy of Head and Neck Vascular Malformations

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive treatment commonly used for selected low-flow vascular malformations, particularly venous or lymphatic malformations in the head and neck. A sclerosing medication is injected directly into the malformation under image guidance, causing the abnormal spaces to shrink and gradually reduce in size. Treatment may be performed over multiple sessions depending on the size, location and response of the malformation.

Peripheral Vascular Malformations

Treatment of vascular malformations is complex often requiring multidisciplinary approach to treatment. It often requires dedicated treatment that is best managed by practitioners well versed with management of these conditions. We encompass and offer diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular malformations.