[Vascular anomalies. Part II: vascular malformations].

Area of Science:

• Vascular biology and developmental biology.

Background:

• Vascular malformations are congenital anomalies affecting the arterial, capillary, or lymphatic systems.
• They arise from developmental errors during embryogenesis, involving abnormal signaling pathways controlling vascular cell apoptosis, maturation, and growth.
• These errors lead to the persistence of partially differentiated vascular plexus cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the nature and origin of vascular malformations.
• To highlight their typical presentation and the rationale for current treatment approaches.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on vascular malformations.
• Analysis of developmental processes leading to vascular anomalies.

Main Results:

• Vascular malformations are characterized by normal endothelial turnover.
• They can manifest as isolated defects or as part of a broader syndrome.
• While often present at birth, symptoms may appear later in life.

Conclusions:

• Vascular malformations stem from errors in embryonic vascular development.
• The majority are symptomatic, necessitating treatment focused on symptom management, primarily size control.