Angiography in vascular malformations of the face

While angiography has been established as a useful procedure in evaluating vascular malformations of the face, the role of selective catheterization has not been stressed. Five patients with either capillary-cavernous hemangiomas or arteriovenous racemose hemangiomas were selected to illustrate the angiographic features of vascular malformations of the face as well as problems in angiographic evaluation and therapeutic techniques. Angiographic studies were valuable in establishing the extent and type of hemangioma, its blood supply and drainage, and associated intraorbital or intracranial extensions. We believe that selective catheterization is essential in preoperative evaluation of facial hemoangiomas, particularly in detecting unsuspected intracranial involvement.