Pediatric Small Vessel AVMs Mistaken for Hemangioma

Objective A majority of vascular anomalies in children are infantile hemangiomas (IH). However, some children with an atypical growth pattern can be suggestive of an AVM. This case series discusses the clinical presentation, diagnosis, radiology, pathology, and treatment of small vessel AVMs at a multidisciplinary vascular anomalies center. Method Retrospective case series of three patients. Chart review was obtained with IRB approval. Results Three patients presented with increasing head and neck masses at 12 months to 2.5 years. All patients had magnetic resonance imaging indicating likely infantile hemangioma. All patients underwent surgical excision, one requiring preoperative embolization. All pathology specimens were GLUT 1 negative and were diagnosed as small vessel arteriovenous malformations. Serial clinical photographs, imaging studies, and pathology will be presented. Conclusion Many pediatric vascular anomalies appear to be an IH, but atypical growth patterns should raise clinical suspicion of an AVM. Diagnostic error leads to inadequate treatment, disease progression, and increased morbidity. This series highlights the importance of clinical suspicion and a multidisciplinary team approach toward pediatric vascular anomalies.