Anatomical mapping of vascular anomalies of the lips

Abstract

Introduction: The lip is the body region more often affected by vascular anomalies (VAs). Identifying the appropriate etiology of the lesion is significantly important when determining the treatment of choice for the patient. This study aimed to determine the association between the anatomical positioning and the characteristics of the lesions and the etiological diagnosis of VAs of the lips to identify the appropriate tool to be used in clinical practice. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed in 150 patients with VA of the lips evaluated between 1999 and 2017. The etiological diagnosis was based on the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies 2014 classification. Clinical and photographic analysis was performed to assess the anatomical pattern of involvement and map the lesions. Results: An infantile hemangioma was observed to a lesser extent in only one lip and was situated more centrally, with rare involvement of the labial commissure. Venous and venous-lymphatic malformations and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) involving the upper lip were predominantly located more laterally and caused significant deformity. However, AVMs more often extended beyond the limits of the vermilion. Capillary malformations were observed in the entire lower lip in some patients. Simple lymphatic malformations were observed in the entire upper lip with significant distortion in some patients. Conclusion: The initial presentation of VAs often comprises minimal changes; hence, establishing an assertive diagnosis is considered difficult. Specific patterns of involvement were observed for each etiological diagnosis studied. Anatomical mapping can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic tool and can possibly identify an appropriate clinical intervention in patients with VAs of the lip.

Keywords

• hemangioma
• lip
• multiple abnormalities
• vascular tissue tumors
• congenital abnormalities