Imaging — Capillary malformation

Diagnostic imaging is usually not required for isolated capillary malformations (CM). Even on MRI, a simple capillary malformation is not visible, it does not accumulate contrast medium and does not show visible skin thickening or edema. In particular, elaborate examinations requiring anesthesia should not be arranged if no therapeutic or differential diagnostic consequences result from them.

However, if the suspicion of associated (vascular) anomalies or an underlying syndromal disease arises due to clinical signs and symptoms, ultrasound (sonography) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after administration of contrast medium are very helpful imaging methods. They allow pathological subcutaneous or intracranial vessels to be detected or excluded and reveal deeper anomalies of adjacent, even non-vascular structures.

In principle, prior to planning an examination, especially if it is to be performed under anesthesia, early consultation with the responsible radiologist is strongly recommended in order to tailor the type and extent of the planned imaging perfectly to the individual patient.