Vascular Anomalies Clinic

We are a team of experts spanning multiple disciplines with a passion for diagnosing and treating complex vascular malformations

Contact Us

If you are interested in meeting with our multidisciplinary Vascular Anomalies team please call 314-454-5476 or 800-678-5437 to schedule an appointment.

We are located at Saint Louis Children’s Hospital at One Children’s Place St. Louis, MO 63110 in Suite 2A.

Information about Vascular Malformations

What is a vascular malformation?

A vascular malformation is a type of birthmark, or congenital (present at birth) growth, made up of arteries, veins, capillaries, or lymphatic vessels. There are several different types of malformations and they are named according to which type of blood vessel is predominantly affected. A vascular malformation is also known as lymphangioma, arteriovenous malformation, and vascular gigantism.

Vascular malformations are present at birth and enlarge proportionately with the growth of the child. They do not involute spontaneously and may become more apparent as the child grows.

Types of vascular malformations we manage (not an exhaustive list):

  • Capillary vascular malformations (port-wine stains)
  • Arterial malformations
  • Venous malformations
  • Arteriovenous malformations
  • Lymphatic malformations
  • Complex combined malformations including some genetic syndromes:
    • Sturge-Weber syndrome
    • Blue rubber bleb syndrome
    • Glomovenous syndrome
    • PIK3CA overgrowth syndrome (PROS)
      • Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome
      • CLOVES syndrome (a collection of conditions that may include congenital lipomas overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal moles, and spinal abnormalities)
    • Parkes-Weber syndrome and CM-AVM syndrome

Management and Treatment Options

While historically speaking treatments were limited, new recent advances in our understanding of vascular malformation have brought new treatment options to patients. Treatment options can be divided into the following categories:

  • Interventional
    • Sclerotherapy and embolization
    • Laser therapy (pulse dye, Nd-Yag)
    • Surgical debulking
  • Medical therapy
    • Oral or topical sirolimus
    • Novel targeted therapy like alpelisib (through clinical trials)
    • Anticoagulation therapy
  • Symptom management
    • Compression garments
    • Physical and occupational therapy