What Are Venous Malformations?
Venous malformations are the most common vascular malformation. They consist of a abnormally formed or misshaped or stretched-out veins that do not work properly. Venous malformations increase in size proportionally (at same rate) as a child grows. Quick changes in the size or symptoms of these malformations may occur in certain situations such as surgery, trauma, infection or hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy or menopause). They may occur anywhere in the body.
Venous malformations form prior to birth. They are thought to be caused by problems in the formation and development of the veins during pregnancy. Venous malformations are not caused by any drug, medication or environmental factor that the baby may have been exposed to during the pregnancy. Some may not be noticed until teenage years or adulthood.
Some people with venous malformations have been found to have a genetic change in the TIE-2 or PIK3CA gene. The TIE-2 mutation may be inherited. It has been found in families who have multiple family members with venous malformations. The PIK3CA mutation is not inherited.