MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU Medicine Children’s Vascular Anomalies Clinic provides state-of-the-art treatment for hereditary and acquired vascular anomalies in children and adults.  

“We primarily treat children in our clinic, but some vascular anomalies don’t make themselves apparent until adulthood, so we also offer treatment for adults,” Zachary Zinn, M.D., WVU Medicine Children’s pediatric dermatologist, said.

Vascular anomalies can occur as tumors, birthmarks, or internal venous malformations and are caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels. They can occur anywhere on the body and can vary in size, shape, and color. Some vascular anomalies are harmless, while others can cause pain, bleeding, or other complications.

“Vascular anomalies are disorders of blood vessels,” Dr. Zinn said. “We have treatment options for these now, whether it be to improve the cosmetic appearance, or to help with the function of day-to-day living and decrease pain.”

The Vascular Anomalies Clinic at WVU Medicine Children’s is the only one of its kind in West Virginia. The clinic offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment options for vascular anomalies, including comprehensive evaluations by a multidisciplinary team of specialists comprised of complex care pediatricians, dermatologists, interventional radiologists, plastic surgeons, hematologists, and ophthalmologists and the latest medical, surgical, and radiological treatments.

“That’s what makes the clinic so special,” Zinn said. “Prior to seeing the patients, we do an hour-long radiology review where we go over all the patient’s imaging as a team. Then, we see the patient as a team. No one doctor can really do sclerotherapy, laser, manage the medicines, perform surgery, and any other care that might be needed. Our team approach lets us come together from different specialties to make sure our patients receive the customized care they need.”

For more information, watch the Tuesday Talks about the Vascular Anomalies Clinic or visit WVUKids.com.