A case series of genital vascular anomalies in children and their management: lessons learned

To review our experience with genital vascular anomalies and discuss the management considerations for patients with associated genitourinary defects.

We reviewed the presentation, course, management considerations, surgical treatment, and follow-up of all cases of genital vascular anomalies treated at a single institution from January 2008 to October 2011. The lesions were classified according to the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. All patients were boys <18 years old.

We identified 3 patients with genital vascular anomalies. Of these 3 patients, 2 had an infantile hemangioma and 1 had a venous malformation. All lesions were identifiable on physical examination, and 2 of the patients presented within a few months of birth. One patient had associated genitourinary abnormalities that complicated his treatment. Scrotal ultrasonography and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging consistently showed the vascular anomalies to be highly vascular and distinct from the underlying testes. Both intrascrotal lesions were excised, and the cutaneous lesion was excised as a part of a larger genitourinary reconstruction. At a mean follow-up of 33 months (range 23-42), the intrascrotal infantile hemangioma had recurred, requiring repeat intervention, but the cutaneous hemangioma had not.

Vascular anomalies of the male genitalia are rare. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging is useful for characterizing the internal extent of vascular anomalies and ultrasonography is useful in monitoring these lesions over time. The timing of surgery and the high recurrence rate are important considerations when planning surgical resection of genital vascular anomalies, especially when associated with concomitant genitourinary defects.