Classification of congenital arterial and venous vascular malformations

Arterial and venous vascular malformations due to congenital abnormalities rarely occur in the daily practice of vascular surgeons. These malformations represent a heterogeneous group of isolated or multiple congenital abnormalities, sometimes associated with complex congenital syndromes. Correct recognition and classification of these rare abnormalities may sometimes be difficult. No systematic classification of arterial and/or venous vascular malformations due to congenital abnormalities is currently available. On the basis of embryologic and pathophysiologic considerations, a rational and simple classification of arterial and venous vascular malformations due to congenital abnormalities can be performed. This contribution presents an appropriate classification of clinically important arterial and venous vascular malformations due to congenital abnormalities.