Capillary Malformation - Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome (CM-AVM)

Capillary Malformation - Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome (CM-AVM) is an inherited syndrome. Children with this syndrome will have a combination of both capillary malformations (CM) and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). A child may be born with one or more capillary malformations, or these can develop with time. Often the capillary malformations increase in number as the child ages. The AVMs, when present, are often located in the soft tissue of the body, such as muscle and fat, or in the central nervous system, brain or spinal cord. If a large AVM is present, it can cause the heart to work harder and may require seeing a cardiologist. CM-AVM can be inherited from a parent, and a parent may have a small red lesion on their skin as the only finding.

Patients with what has been called Parkes-Weber syndrome may actually have CM-AVM syndrome, and recently more has been learned about these conditions.  

What Is the Treatment for Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome?

CM-AVMs can present in many different ways, or can be a combination of several different types of lesions. Depending on the location and severity of the malformation, your child may need to be seen by many specialists including dermatologists, interventional radiologists, otolaryngologists, plastic and general surgeons, as well as oncologists and physiatrists. Our psychologist and social worker will be able to help you and your child adjust to the changes and special needs that this condition requires. The Vascular Lesion Center at Lurie Children's has the specialists available to meet your child and develop the specialized plan of care they will need.