Role of Ultrasound and Dynamic Contrast MRI Study in Diagnosis of Soft Tissue Vascular Anomalies in Pediatric Age Group

Abstract

Vascular anomalies (VAs) represent a spectrum of disorders from a simple “birthmark” to life- threatening entities. Incorrect nomenclature and misdiagnoses are commonly experienced by patients with these anomalies. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate evaluation and management, often requiring multidisciplinary specialists. Classification schemes provide a consistent terminology and serve as a guide for pathologists, radiologists, clinicians, and researchers. Over the past 2 decades, various subspecialists have adopted a new classification system proposed by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA), which divides vascular anomalies into 2 main categories: tumors and malformations. This system provides a systematic approach to VAs that correlates histopathology with clinical course and therapy. Vascular tumors are endothelial neoplasms; they include the benign IHs and CHs as well as the borderline malignant rare KHEs, among others. IHs are by far the most common lesions; clinically they feature an early phase of rapid proliferation followed by a later stage of involution. Vascular malformations are developmental anomalies that are already present at birth but may go initially unnoticed. Unlike hemangiomas, they grow proportionately with the child and do not regress. They are subdivided into low- versus high flow malformations. Low