Imaging of Vascular Malformations

Although clinical history and examination are sufficient to establish the diagnosis of a vascular malformation, imaging is an indispensable part of the full patient workup. Because of limited soft tissue contrast resolution, conventional radiology has little role for the evaluation and diagnosis of congenital vascular malformations. The use of phlebographic techniques is becoming less frequent due to the improvement of other less invasive diagnostic tools like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. Also the historically ubiquitous use of arteriography in the diagnostic imaging workup of vascular malformations has been relegated to a few specific clinical indications, showing an exclusively therapeutic role.