intramuscular venous malformation

Intramuscular venous malformations are often mistaken for tumors because of a similar presentation and improper nomenclature. (12447041)

The female-to-male ratio is 2:1. Two-thirds of skeletal muscle venous malformations are noted at birth; the remainder manifested in childhood and adolescence. (12447041)

Venous malformations occurrs in every muscle group, most often in the head and neck and extremities. Pain and swelling were the usual presenting complaints. Skeletal problems, such as fracture, deformation, or growth abnormalities, are rare. Hormonal exacerbation and intralesional bleeding are infrequent. (12447041)

Gross examination

 multicolored tissue with dilated vascular channels, frequently containing phleboliths.

Light microscopy

 aggregates of primarily medium-sized, thin-walled vascular channels with flat endothelium and variable smooth muscle, most closely resembling dysplastic veins.

Variants

 predominantly of small vessels with capillary structure
 proliferative activity
 large feeding and draining vessels, similar to a lesion called intramuscular capillary hemangioma

Immunochemistry

 GLUT1- (negative for glucose transporter-1)

See also

 vascular dysplasias

• venous malformations

References

 Hein KD, Mulliken JB, Kozakewich HP, Upton J, Burrows PE. Venous malformations of skeletal muscle. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002 Dec;110(7):1625-35. PMID: 12447041