Evaluation and treatment of head and neck venous vascular malformations

Congenital venous vascular malformations of the head and neck are low-flow, nonproliferative lesions that should be distinguished from hemangiomas. The characteristic history and clinical findings can establish the diagnosis. Direct percutaneous puncture and contrast injection at the time of treatment delineate the lesion and its drainage pattern. Treatment must be individualized according to lesion extent, patient tolerance and physician experience. Sclerotherapy with ethanol has proved to be a successful treatment modality for these lesions, as demonstrated in this study of 57 patients. Surgery is used for treatment of clinically significant residual disease. A multidisciplinary approach to evaluation and treatment is key to successful management.