LASER THERAPY OF VASCULAR BIRTHMARKS IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Vascular anomalies are among the most common birthmarks encountered by the pediatric clinician. The prompt and accurate diagnosis of a vascular birthmark can provide the clinician with essential clues to potential underlying extracutaneous complications. Vascular tumors (including benign infantile hemangiomas) are defined as typically dynamic lesions that grow, change, and exhibit cellular proliferation whereas malformations (including capillary, venous and arteriovenous malformations) -though capable of evolution - tend to grow with the patient and show significantly less mitotic activity. The treatment of choice is laser therapy. Flashlamppumped pulsed dye lasers can be employed in earliest infancy. The light waves at 585-595 nm can penetrate to a depth of about 0,75 mm reach the vessels and are absorbed by hemoglobin. The short pulses are matched to the vessel thermal relaxation time, to avoid necrosis and scarring