Distinguishing between CVDs, e. g. , hemangiomas and vascular malformations, often presents special problems. The clinical symptoms can be misleading and di- agnosis requires complete and careful evaluation of the patient's history and in some cases further diagnostic measures. A clear histologic classification is limited to cases in which a surgical resection is indicated and the minimally invasive therapy is no longer possible. However, the diagnosis should be made in a very early stage as the different types of congenital vascular disorders require different types of management. While hemangiomas should be treated in their very early stages, the treatment of some vascular malformations can be postponed until the diagnostic and therapeutic measures are of acceptable risk for the patient. References 1. Belov S, Loose DA, Weber J (1989) Vascular malformations. Einhorn, Reinbeck (Periodica Angiolo- gica 16), pp 19-30 2. Berlien HP, Cremer H, Djawari D, Grantzow R, Gubisch W (199311994) Leitlinien zur Behandlung angeborener GefaBerkrankungen. Paediatr Prax 46: 87-92 3. Finn Me, Glowacki J, Mulliken JB (1983) Congenital vascular lesions: clinical application of a new classification.J Pediatri Surg 18 (6): 894-900 4. Grantzow R, Schmittenbecher PP, Klima-Lange D, Spreng G (199011991) Problematik der Therapie von Riesenhamangiomen. Paediatr Prax 41: 311-320 5. Jacobs AH, Walton RG (1976) The incidence of birthmarks in the neonate. Pediatrics 58 (2): 218-222 6. Philipp e, Poetke M, Berlien HP (199311994) Klinik und Klassifikation angeborener GefaBerkrank- ungen.
