PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF VASCULAR ANOMALIES OF THE FACE: AN ANALYSIS OF 126 CASES AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To describe the presentation and management of vascular anomalies of the face in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar.
Meterial and Methods:This descriptive study was carried out in the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), Peshawar during a period from March 2009 to December 2012. All patients with clinically suspected or diagnostically proven cases of vascular anomalies of the face were included by convenience sampling technique. Patients treated elsewhere and those who did not consent to participate in the study were excluded. Assessment was made by detailed history and clinical examination. Diagnosis of hemangioma was done on the basis of history alone while those of vascular malformation were confirmed by clinical examination and MRI and CT scans. Type of vascular anomaly, location, type of treating modality undertaken and complications encountered were all recorded.
Results:Out of a total of 126 patients, 55.46% were females while 44.54 % were males. Age range was 3 days to 12 years. There were 89 cases (70.6%) of vascular malformation and 37 cases (29.3%) of hemangioma. Hemangioma was more common in females (56.8%) than males (43.2%). Most common vascular malformations were venous 51.6%, followed by capillary 14.16%. The most common site of involvement was lips (n=41) followed by tongue (n=21). Hemangioma was treated expectantly and oral steroids and surgical excision in residual cases while vascular malformation was managed with sclerotherapy and surgery.
Conclusion:Vascular anomalies of the face has varied presentation in the form of hemangioma and vascular malformation. Detailed history and clinical examination should be adopted to diagnose them and proper counseling should be done regarding their recurrence.