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Acta Phlebologica 2014 December;15(3):95-105

Copyright © 2014 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Differential diagnosis of vascular anomalies in lower limbs: a review

Amato B. ^{1, 2}, Compagna R. ^{1, 2}, Fappiano F. ¹, Rossi R. ¹, Amato M. ¹, Grande R. ³, Butrico L. ³, De Franciscis S. ^{1, 3}, Serra R. ^{1, 3}

¹ Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy; ² Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, “Federico II” University of Naples, Naples, Italy; ³ Department of Surgical and Medical Science, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy

Vascular anomalies are a heterogeneous group of diseases which include vascular tumors and vascular malformations, are also divided into fast-flow and slow-flow lesions according to the ISSVA Classification. These pathologies overlaps in clinical presentation especially in lower limbs where asymmetric overgrowth and bone involvement are features in common between the main of these pathologies. PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were searched for articles using the terms: Vascular Anomalies, Vascular Tumors, Vascular Malformations and the significant full text were downloaded and analyzed. From literature review, a description of the differences in clinical features and the differential diagnosis among vascular anomalies was given. It is important to reach an early diagnosis in order to offer the best clinical management to patients and avoid economic waste. This is achievable by a correct and accurate clinical examination accompanied by a US and Doppler examination. Other investigations, including MRI that is the more effective, must be used carefully.