Vascular Anomalies (Part II): Interventional Therapy of Peripheral Vascular Malformations

The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) categorizes vascular anomalies into vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Vascular malformations are further divided into slow-flow (venous, lymphatic, and capillary malformation) and fast-flow malformations (arteriovenous malformation and arteriovenous fistula). This interdisciplinary classification has therapeutic implications.

The objective of this article is to provide concise information about the current terminology and treatment strategies of peripheral vascular malformations, based on the currently available literature, with a focus on interventional therapy of venous malformations (VM), lymphatic malformations (LM), arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and arteriovenous fistulae (AVF).

Accurate classification is crucial for appropriate therapy of peripheral vascular malformations. Modern imaging technologies and refined interventional treatment strategies are now central parts in the multidisciplinary management of these patients. Slow-flow and fast-flow vascular malformations can be treated successfully by percutaneous sclerotherapy and endovascular embolotherapy as first-line interventions.

· The ISSVA classification is essential for the correct diagnosis of vascular malformations. · The Schobinger classification as well as the Cho classification should be used for description of arteriovenous malformations (AVM). · Sclerotherapy and embolotherapy are the primary treatments of choice for vascular malformations.

· Müller-Wille R, Wildgruber M, Sadick M et al. Vascular Anomalies (Part II): Interventional Therapy of Peripheral Vascular Malformations. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2018; DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-101266.