OBJECTIVE. To review clinical characteristics, imaging modalities, and treatment outcomes of patients referred to a multidisciplinary clinic for management of vascular malformations.

DESIGN. Retrospective case series. SETTING. Multidisciplinary vascular malformation out-patient referral clinic in a teaching hospital in Hong Kong.

PATIENTS. The 141 attendees of the clinic from August 2005 to November 2011.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. Management and treatments offered, and responses to treatment.

RESULTS. Of the 141 patients, 46% were diagnosed to have low-flow vascular malformations, 16% were diagnosed to have high-flow vascular malformations, and 15% were diagnosed to have a haemangioma. Prior to attending the clinic, approximately one third (32%) of the patients had a clinical diagnosis that was consistent with the final diagnosis. Overall, the radiological and clinical diagnoses were consistent in 43% of the patients. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography were the most commonly used imaging modalities. Of the 73 patients who received active treatment, 70% had a good response, 12% had minimal improvement, 8% had no change, and 7% had a recurrence or a major complication; in 3% of the patients the outcome was unknown.

CONCLUSION. From this retrospective case series, it is evident that confusion still exists over vascular malformations and haemangiomas. Multidisciplinary clinics have a role in providing an accurate diagnosis and facilitating appropriate management and treatment plans. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography had demonstrable utility in determining the extent of the lesions and flow type.

Key words: Hemangioma; Patient care team; Port-wine stain

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