Imaging of Vascular Anomalies

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Vascular Imaging
• Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

• Vascular anomalies (VAs) encompass a diverse range of vascular malformations and tumors.
• Distinguishing benign VAs from malignant soft-tissue tumors can be challenging due to overlapping presentations.
• Evolving nomenclature and new entity descriptions add complexity to VA diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline classic imaging findings for various vascular anomalies.
• To highlight ominous imaging features that suggest malignancy or require further investigation.
• To empower interventional radiologists in making confident diagnostic and management decisions for VAs.

Main Methods:

• Review of classic and contemporary imaging findings of vascular anomalies.
• Emphasis on differentiating benign from potentially malignant vascular and nonvascular lesions.
• Identification of key imaging characteristics guiding biopsy or further workup.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of imaging appearances for common VAs.
• Presentation of specific imaging signs indicative of malignancy or complex cases.
• Guidance on interpreting subtle findings in vascular lesions.

Conclusions:

• Accurate interpretation of imaging findings is crucial for diagnosing vascular anomalies.
• Recognition of specific imaging features aids in differentiating benign from malignant lesions.
• This review provides a framework for interventional radiologists to confidently manage patients with vascular anomalies.