Venous malformation

We know it can be hard to hear that your child has a venous malformation (VM). But at Children’s Hospital Boston, we view the diagnosis as a starting point: Now we’re able to begin the process of treating your child — with all the means at our disposal — so that we may effectively manage the condition and allow your child to have a healthy life.

Here’s what you need to know about venous malformations:

• They’re the most common kind of vascular malformation we treat at our Vascular Anomalies Center.

• They’re caused by widened, abnormally shaped veins that can enlarge as your child grows older.

• Your child may have a wide range of symptoms based on where the malformation occurs and how large it is.

• They don’t go away on their own and often recur after treatment.

How Boston Children's Hospital approaches venous malformations

The Vascular Anomalies Center (VAC) at Children's is a team of 25 clinicians, representing 16 medical and surgical specialties, who have developed sub-sub specialization in the field of vascular anomalies.

VAC physicians have extensive experience treating children and adults with venous malformations and other vascular anomalies from the U.S. and abroad. As such, the VAC is often regarded as the premier center for the treatment of individuals with vascular anomalies.

We specialize in innovative, family-centered care. From your first visit, you’ll work with a team of professionals who are committed to supporting all of your family’s physical and psychosocial needs.

Venous malformation: Reviewed by Arin Greene, MD, MMSc.
© Children’s Hospital Boston, 2010