Vascular Malformations

What Are Vascular Malformations? 

A vascular malformation is a collection of irregularly shaped blood or lymph vessels. A malformation can form in any type of vessel, including: 

• Arteries: Tubes that carry blood away from your heart
• Capillaries: Tiny blood vessels that take waste away from your tissues and deliver oxygen and nutrients back to them
• Lymph vessels: Tubes that carry watery fluid (lymph) to your bloodstream 
• Veins: Tubes that carry blood to your heart

These irregular blood vessels develop before you’re born. However, many people don’t know they have a vascular malformation until later in childhood or adulthood. 

Vascular malformations can affect any part of your body. Our vascular surgeons treat all types of vascular malformations that develop outside of the brain and spine. Vascular malformations in the brain or spine require expert care from a cerebrovascular specialist. 

Types of Vascular Malformations 

There are several types of vascular malformations, depending on the blood vessels involved: 

• Venous malformations are the most common type. They develop in your veins. 
• Lymphatic malformations affect your lymph vessels. 
• Venolymphatic malformations involve both your lymph vessels and veins.
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are irregular connections between arteries and veins. An AVM is the most serious type of vascular malformation. 

Vascular malformations that involve your veins or lymph vessels are known as low-flow malformations. They don’t stress your heart or cause life-threatening complications. 

AVMs are known as high-flow malformations. They put a lot of pressure on your heart and can lead to heart damage. AVMs require treatment to prevent heart damage and other complications, such as bleeding.

Vascular Malformations vs. Hemangiomas 

Both vascular malformations and hemangiomas involve irregular blood vessels. A hemangioma is a type of noncancerous (benign) tumor. It occurs when blood vessels clump beneath the skin, causing a large birthmark. Most hemangiomas shrink as children get older. 

Vascular malformations extend deeper than hemangiomas. They can cause discomfort and other symptoms that often develop later in life. 

Vascular Malformation Symptoms 

The most common symptoms of a vascular malformation include: 

• An enlarged limb on one side 
• Discolored skin 
• Pain 
• Swelling 

All vascular malformations tend to cause similar symptoms. However, AVMs may grow and worsen, becoming increasingly painful over time. 

Vascular Malformation Causes and Risk Factors

Vascular malformations occur when blood vessels develop atypically before birth. While rare, they can occur because of a severe traumatic injury, such as a gunshot wound. 

Some rare genetic diseases are associated with vascular malformations. People with these genetic conditions may have a higher risk of vascular malformation. 

Diagnosing Vascular Malformations

Diagnosing a vascular malformation starts with discussing your medical history. Your vascular surgeon asks about your symptoms, including when they started and whether they disrupt your usual activities. The doctor physically examines you and checks for pulses in your upper and lower body. 

You may also get several imaging tests, such as: 

• MRI: This scan uses magnets and radio waves to look closely at the structure of your blood vessels. 
• Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to view how blood flows through your vessels.
• Angiogram: The doctor guides a flexible, hollow tube (catheter) through an artery in your groin or wrist to the malformation. They inject a special dye and use X-rays to view the blood vessels.

Vascular Malformation Treatment 

Some people with venous or lymphatic malformations don’t need any treatment. If they do get treatment, it’s usually to reduce discomfort and improve appearance. People with arteriovenous malformations need treatment to lower their risk of complications. 

Treatment doesn’t cure a vascular malformation. The goal is to minimize complications and improve your quality of life. 

Lifestyle changes 

Several lifestyle changes can reduce pain and manage swelling. Your vascular surgeon may recommend: 

• Elevating the affected area above your heart several times a day 
• Taking aspirin daily to improve blood flow
• Wearing a compression garment that helps squeeze blood back toward your heart 

Embolization 

Vascular surgeons treat some malformations with embolization. This minimally invasive technique shrinks irregular blood vessels. 

During the procedure, your vascular surgeon may insert a catheter through your blood vessel. Or, they may insert a needle into the affected area. They use a special glue, liquid or coil to block blood flow to the malformation, which shrinks it. 

Most people need multiple embolization procedures. How many you need depends on the size and complexity of the malformation. 

Surgery 

Rarely, you may get surgery to remove a vascular malformation. Vascular surgeons recommend this approach only when they believe they can remove the entire malformation without affecting surrounding nerves or muscles. 

Why Choose UCLA Health? 

Your care is in the hands of expert vascular surgeons who are experienced in all types of vascular malformations. Whether or not you need surgery, we’re here to provide answers and manage vascular malformations long-term.