Vascular anomalies and wounds

Vascular anomalies comprise vascular tumours and vascular malformations. Some vascular anomalies result in ulcerations and necrosis. In vascular tumours, infantile haemangiomas are predominant and ulceration is demonstrated in up to 16%. In vascular malformations, arteriovenous malformations predominate and frequently demonstrate either primary ulceration or skin necrosis after diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Various diagnostic and therapeutic imaging methods, such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), duplex Doppler ultrasound, and angiography, are used to visualize vascular anomalies; angiograms are required when embolization is attempted and blood flow needs to be further investigated. Duplex Doppler ultrasound is useful for routine check-ups as a therapeutic tool; however, it has limited in precision and accuracy. The aim of the present review is to give an overview of wounds related to vascular anomalies, detailing the diagnostic imaging and treatment options.