Vascular Malformation

VASCULAR MALFORMATIONS

Vascular malformations are abnormalities that involve blood vessels. These changes are typically present at birth but frequently may not become evident until later in life during childhood or even in adulthood.

Vascular malformations can develop in any part of your body — from your head to your toes. They may present as a soft tissue mass, pain, swelling and/or skin discoloration. Some vascular malformations develop on your face or neck or near your brain or spinal cord. Others look like birthmarks or red blemishes.

Rarely, vascular malformations develop during adulthood after trauma or another incident. Vascular malformations that cause pain, impair function such as vision or activities or cause bleeding or other problems may need treatment.

Where do vascular malformations occur?

Vascular refers to blood vessels. Vascular malformations can affect any blood vessel in your circulatory system. They may also develop in lymphatic vessels in the lymphatic system.

Affected blood vessels may include one or more of the following structures:

1. Arteries and arterioles.
2. Capillaries.
3. Veins and venules.
4. Lymphatic channels.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes vascular malformations? Most vascular malformations are a result of localized or regional abnormal development of vascular and/or lymphatic channels which develop in utero. They are typically present at birth (congenital).

Less commonly, an injury in which there’s unrecognized damage to the vessels can over time develop into a vascular malformation. An injury or hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy can make venous malformations noticeable for the first time.

In a small number of cases, people inherit genetic changes (mutations) that make vascular malformations more likely. Researchers are still learning more about these genetic causes.