[Haemangiomas and vascular malformations of the nose]

After discussing histogenetic, morphologic and evolutive aspects that distinguish haemangiomas from vascular malformations, the Authors affirm the important role that haemodynamic stimuli take on in the evolution of the latter. Vascular malformations are subdivided into capillary, venous and arterial, according to where they originate in the vascular tree. With reference to haemangiomas, the Authors underline the importance of steroid therapy and the necessity to resort to integrative surgical procedure in those cases which do not respond satisfactorily to steroid therapy. The different procedures to be performed, according to dimension and localization of the haemangiomas, are explained in detail. In capillary vascular malformations of small significance from a haemodynamic and evolutionary point of view, comparable to a slightly pathological capillary network, the surgeon often faces complex reconstructive problems which involve, however, only the tegument. These can be resolved using forehead flaps, if necessary, expanded. Arteriovenous vascular malformations are more problematic and therefore require greater surgical skill, prone as they are to progressive expansion and aggravation brought about by haemodynamic mechanisms.