[Angiodysplasias of the extremities]

The term "angiodysplasia" is defined and a historical review of vascular malformation given, particularly the Klippel-Trenaunay, F.P. Weber, and Servelle-Martorell syndromes. The casual, uncritical use of these terms in the past, especially the combination of these entities into one syndrome, has resulted in considerable confusion. Current classifications are based on nosologic, pathophysiologic, anatomical, clinical, and didactic criteria. Modern diagnostic methods and the results of surgical corrections of vascular malformations have led to a better understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms and have offered new prognostic and therapeutic aspects.