Vascular lesions are common in infants and children, but their precise classiflcation can be confusing. In 1996, the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) approved a classification system modified from the scheme originally proposed by Mulliken and Glowacki. Their aim was to establish a common language for the many different medical specialists involved in the management of these lesions. Two groups of vascular anomalies are delineated: vascular tumors (of which hemangioma of infancy is the most common) and vascular malformations. The classiflcation was based on differences in the cellular kinetics and natural history of these lesions. The authors summarize the classiflcation, pathogenesis, management, treatment and prognosis of vascular anomalies

        Key words: vascular anomalies, classification, pathogenesis, management, prognosis, therapy