Objective: To present current information on the diagnosis, pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of vascular malformations.
Method: Literature review.
Results: Vascular malformations are a heterogeneous group of congenital lesions resulting from aberrations of vascular embryogenesis. They are distinct from the vascular tumors with which they are commonly confused in presentation, natural history, and management.
Conclusions: Multimodality intervention involving medical therapy, laser photocoagulation, and surgery is available for the various types of vascular malformations. Multidisciplinary care is crucial for the evaluation and management of these complicated lesions. Clarification of underlying pathogenesis and molecular biologic mechanisms will provide opportunities for expansion of available treatments.