Pediatric Vascular Anomalies

Expert care for your child’s vascular malformation

Vascular anomalies, including birthmarks, hemangiomas and other rare conditions, can be hard to diagnose and treat. Families often face a long journey from one specialist to another without clear answers or a coordinated plan. At Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health, we simplify that journey through two expert-led programs designed to provide personalized, multidisciplinary care:

• The Megan Schulman Vascular Anomalies Clinic at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital: The only specialized vascular anomalies program in Monmouth County, created with a generous donation from the Megan Schulman Memorial Foundation.
• The Vascular Birthmark Center at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, a multidisciplinary program that has provided pediatric care in vascular anomalies for over 20 years.

Both centers offer similar comprehensive services at our two children’s hospitals, making it easier for families throughout New Jersey to access expert pediatric care for vascular anomalies without needing to travel far.

Vascular Anomalies We Treat

Vascular anomalies are conditions involving abnormal blood vessel growth and development. These can appear anywhere on the body, making diagnosis and treatment complex. This clinic provides expert evaluation and treatment for:

• Infantile hemangiomas: Often called "strawberry birthmarks," these common vascular tumors can grow rapidly and sometimes require medical intervention.
• Port-wine stains and other capillary malformations: Flat, red or purple birthmarks that may darken over time and often benefit from laser therapy.
• Venous and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): Abnormal blood vessel development that can impact circulation and may require surgery or medical therapy.
• Lymphatic malformations (previously called lymphangiomas): Abnormal growths in the lymphatic system can cause swelling and require specialized care.
• Mixed malformations, common (spider angiomas, pyogenic granulomas)and rare vascular tumors (Kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas, Tufted angiomas): Including syndromes related to vascular anomalies that may require systemic treatment or genetic evaluation.
• Prenatal or congenital vascular anomalies: Detected before or at birth, often requiring early intervention and multidisciplinary care.

No matter the diagnosis, each case is unique, and our team works closely with every family to determine the best course of treatment.