Venous Malformations in Children: What Parents Should Know

Venous Malformations in Children: What Parents Should Know

Venous malformations (VMs) are one of the mostcommon types of vascular malformations in children. Although they are usuallypresent at birth, they may not always be visible right away. As a child grows,the malformation can become more noticeable and may cause symptoms. Earlyawareness and proper management can make a big difference.

What Are VenousMalformations?

Venous malformations are clusters of abnormallyformed veins. Unlike normal veins, which carry blood smoothly back to theheart, these veins are dilated, irregular, and slow-flowing. This can lead toswelling, pain, or bluish discoloration of the skin.

TYPES OF MALFORMATION

Causes and RiskFactors

• Present at birth (congenital): VMs develop during early growth in the womb.
• Not inherited in most cases: They are usually sporadic, though rare genetic links exist.
• Can grow with the child: They often become larger as children get older.

Signs and Symptomsin Children

Parents may notice:

• A bluish patch or soft lump under the skin
• Swelling that increases with activity or crying
• Pain or tenderness,especially after physical activity
• Functional problems if the VM is near joints, muscles, or vital organs

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child do visit BANKERS VASCULAR HOSPITAL.

How Are Venous Malformations Diagnosed?

Doctors usually recommend:

• Physical examination to identify the visible or palpable lump
• Ultrasound Doppler: Initial test, shows slow-flow veins.
• Venography: Sometimes used before interventional procedures.

Complications of Venous Malformations inChildren

Ifnot managed, venous malformations can lead to:

·        Pain & swelling (especiallyafter activity)

·        Functional disability (difficultymoving limbs or joints)

·        Cosmetic deformity (visibleskin discoloration)

·        Bleeding & clotting – large VMsmay form clots (phleboliths), causing pain

·        Emotional impact – lowself-esteem, bullying, or social anxiety in school-age children

Treatment Options

Not all venous malformations need immediatetreatment. The decision depends on the size, location, and symptoms. Optionsinclude:

• Observation: Small,symptom-free VMs may just need monitoring.
• Compression garments: To reduce swelling and discomfort in affected limbs.
• Sclerotherapy: A minimally invasive injection that shrinks abnormal veins.

·        interventional radiologists inject a special solution (e.g., ethanol, bleomycin, polidocanol)into the malformation.

o   The veins shrink and symptoms improve.

o   Multiple sessions may be needed.

·        Lasertherapy: Works best for superficial skin VMs(like port-wine-like discoloration).Reduces visible bluish patches.

• Surgery: Considered if the malformation is well-localized and causing significant problems.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING NON OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF VENOUS MALFORMATION CONTACT OR VISIT US BANKERS VASCULAR HOSPITAL.

Living With VenousMalformation

• Encourage your child to stay active but avoid activities that     trigger severe pain or swelling.
• Support emotional well-being, especially if the malformation is     visible and affects self-esteem.
• Regular follow-ups with a vascular specialist are important.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.Do venous malformations in children go away on their own?
➡️ No. Unlikeinfantile hemangiomas, venous malformations do not shrink naturally. They tendto grow slowly with the child.

2.Are venous malformations dangerous?
➡️ They are notcancerous, but depending on size and location, they can cause pain, bleeding,or functional disability.

3.What is the best treatment for venous malformations in children?
➡️ Sclerotherapyis considered the gold standard for most cases. Surgery may be an option forlocalized lesions.

4.Can my child live a normal life with a venous malformation?
➡️ Yes, withproper treatment and follow-up care, most children live healthy, active lives.

5.Will my child need lifelong treatment?
➡️ Some childrenrequire multiple treatments or ongoing monitoring, especially if the VM islarge or in a complex location.