Capillary Malformation

Abstract

Capillary malformations (CM), are the most common type of vascular malformations that have been usually referred by multiple confusing terminologies in past like port-wine stain or nevus flammeus. The International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classified capillary malformations as simple, low flow malformation on the basis of lack of endothelial proliferation, type of vessels, and the type of flow. Capillary malformations are further divided into different subtypes with a distinct clinical presentation, associated anomalies, and etiopathogenesis. The lesions are always congenital, presenting at birth as flat (macular) pink patch which most commonly involves the head and neck region. The lesions vary in color, consistency and undergo changes with age, but never involute with time and persist throughout the life. Different genetic mutations have been identified in association with capillary malformations which may be syndromic or non-syndromic depending upon the time of mutation during the developmental process. The non-syndromic lesions which are cosmetically insignificant do not require any intervention. The decision to treat a patient of CM depends on multiple factors like the site of involvement, associated syndromes, and complication. The modality and timing of treatment also depend on the size and location of the lesion. Flashlamp-pumped pulsed-dye laser (PDL) is the treatment modality of choice for patients with capillary malformations. Other medical and surgical modalities have also shown variable therapeutic efficacy in the lesions. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021.