Search

Background: Vascular malformations are rare diseases that should be treated in dedicated vascular anomaly centers (VAC). There is only a small amount of data on the diagnostic and therapeutic handling of these patients, before they are referred to a VAC. Purpose: To demonstrate the disease-specific patient characteristics in a German VAC, which are required to determine diagnostic and therapeutic steps. Material and Methods: In a retrospective study, all patients who were treated in the VAC from April 2014 until August 2021 were identified. In total, 593 patients were included in this study. Results: Almost all patients had previously consulted a physician (591/593, 99.7%). A mean of two different physicians had been consulted (range 0–10). Patients with more complex, syndromal vascular malformations had significantly more previous appointments (P = 0.0018). In only 44% (261/593) of patients, the referral diagnosis was made correctly. Most patients had been previously treated for their vascular anomaly: pharmacotherapy (n = 130; 21.9%), compression garments (n = 141; 23.8%), surgical resection (n = 80; 17.3%) and sclerotherapy (n = 68; 11.5%). Fifty-two patients who had been falsely diagnosed had also received therapy prior to their referral to the VAC (8.8%). Most patients received an ultrasound examination in the VAC (n = 464; 78.2%). Most frequently, compression therapy was prescribed (n = 256; 43.2%), followed by sclerotherapy (n = 175, 29.5%) and pharmacotherapy (n = 55; 9.3%). Conclusion: Patients suffering from vascular anomalies often go through a complicated scheduling with numerous outpatient appointments and have a high risk of misdiagnosis and mistreatment prolonging the medical condition. Therefore, patients with vascular anomalies should be treated in a dedicated vascular anomaly center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a rare congenital vascular disorder. They represent a fast-flow vascular malformation. Clinically, AVMs present a heterogenous expression and can affect every part of the body. Here, we will solely focus on extracranial AVMs. Generally, AVMs progress with the patient's age. Patients often suffer from pulsation, skin discoloration, pain, ulceration, bleeding, and disfigurement. Diagnostic tools include color-coded duplex sonography, MRI and CT imaging, as well as the clinical examination. 4D dynamic perfusion-computed tomography may help in the interventional planning. Digital subtraction angiography is required during interventional therapy. AVMs pose a great challenge to the treating physician. The therapy of this rare disease should be managed in an interdisciplinary center for vascular malformations. It consists of conservative measures, such as compression garments and pain medication, transcatheter or, more rarely, percutanous embolization, and surgical resection. In smaller, localized lesions, resection with primary wound closure may be feasible, whereas extensive AVMs regularly require the reconstruction of the resulting soft tissue defect and possibly affected functional structures by means of free tissue transfer. In the interdisciplinary setting required for an appropriate treatment of AVMs, extensive knowledge of the various therapies, including those from different specialties, is necessary. Therefore, this article aims to provide an overview over both the interventional and surgical therapeutic options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular anomalies represent a rare congenital disease with manifestation at diverse anatomical sights and presenting with heterogenous symptoms. Undetected, they can progress and create acute and chronic complications with functional impairment. The manifestation in the female and male pelvis and the urogenital tract represents a multidisciplinary challenge for physicians. Especially outpatient management in gynaecology and urology is affected. Diagnostic Radiology holds an important supportive role in early diagnosis of the underlying urogenital vascular anomaly and referral to interventional radiology, either for minimal invasive treatment, or to surgery for further assessment. This pictorial review creates awareness for the spectrum of vascular anomalies of the gynaecological and urogenital tract, their characteristic imaging findings and dedicated interventional treatment options. The individual description of vascular anomalies, based on an appropriate nomenclature and classification standard, is a guide for radiologists to distinguish the underlying vascular anomaly from other vascular disorders and to accelerate diagnosis as well as therapeutic proceedings. In consequence, interdisciplinary management of patients with vascular anomalies of the female and male pelvis will benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]