Clinical and imaging features in fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA)

Abstract

Background: Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (FAVA) is a rare and recently described complex vascular malformation. The clinical and imaging features and morphology can be confusing and often overlap with features of other vascular malformations and tumors. Objective: To present the imaging characterization of FAVA in association with clinical features. Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated clinical and imaging (MRI, sonography and venography) findings in FAVA. We documented the clinical presentation, lesion morphology, imaging characteristics, tissue distribution, pattern of contrast enhancement and vascular characteristics. Results: Thirty-eight people (31 female, 7 male) ages 1–30 years (mean 12 years) were diagnosed with FAVA based on clinical findings combined with imaging or histopathological findings (n=17). Most lesions were in the lower extremity (n=36). Three patterns were noticed: focal, focal infiltrative and diffuse. Conclusion: Fibro-adipose vascular anomaly, a rare and complex vascular malformation, has distinct clinical and imaging features that a radiologist should be familiar with to avoid delay in diagnosis and to direct appropriate management.