Vascular malformations

Twenty-four patients suffering from vascular malformations have been followed by the author for between six months and fifteen years. Active arteriovenous leakage as determined by simple physical examination is all-important in determining the outcome of these lesions. Malformations occurring in the lower limb seem to have a considerably worse prognosis than those occurring elsewhere. Treatment is basically conservative, but amputation may become necessary when ischaemic ulceration or massive bleeding are uncontrollable by other means.