Mayo Clinic Talks Vascular Medicine Series: Vascular Malformations
Sep 18, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Megha M. Tollefson, a dermatologist specializing in vascular malformations, shares her insights alongside interventional radiologist Dr. Haraldur Bjarnason. They discuss the diverse types of vascular malformations, their clinical presentations, and how they can cause serious health issues. The episode delves into diagnostic imaging techniques, the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, and innovative treatment options like sclerotherapy and emerging targeted therapies. Tune in to explore the complex world of vascular malformations!
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Vascular Malformations Are Heterogeneous
- Vascular malformations are collections of extra blood vessels that can include arteries, veins, lymphatics, or capillaries.
- They often present as mixed or single-vessel lesions and vary widely in composition and behavior.
Classification Evolved With Genetics
- Classification has become more nuanced as we learned genetic drivers and associations with overgrowth syndromes.
- Many lesions are now categorized by vessel type, combined types, or specific genetic causes like PIK3CA or RASA1.
Flow Type Determines Risk
- Slow-flow lesions (capillary, venous, lymphatic) cause chronic bleeding, pain, and infection risk while high-flow AV malformations cause life-threatening bleeding and cardiac effects.
- Flow characteristic drives complication risk and management urgency.