Vascular malformations of the female and male genitalia : type and distribution patterns revealed by magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Background:

Vascular malformations of the genitalia often go undetected in clinical examination. These vascular malformations can cause a variety of clinical symptoms such as swelling, pain and bleeding. Aim:

To characterize the distribution patterns of genital vascular malformations using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate these patterns with clinical findings in order to guide diagnostic decisions. Methods:

A retrospective analysis of MRIs of the pelvis and legs in 370 patients with vascular malformation was performed to determine the involvement of the internal and external genitalia. Results:

In 71 patients (19%), genital involvement could be identified by MRI. Of these, 11.3% (8 of 71) presented with internal involvement, 36.6% (26 of 71) with external involvement and 52.1% (37 of 71) with both internal and external involvement. Over half (57.1%) of the 49 patients with visible external genital signs detected during a clinical examination had additional internal genital involvement. Conclusions:

Genital involvement is a common finding in patients with vascular malformation of the legs and/or pelvis. Based on our data, we recommend MRI of the legs and pelvic region in patients with externally visible signs of a vascular malformation of the external genitalia in order to exclude additional internal involvement.