Diagnosis of vascular skin lesions in children: An audit and review

Vascular skin lesions in children are common, but their management is complicated by the ongoing use of inappropriate and often misleading terms. Inaccurate explanations of the diagnosis and progression of these lesions may cause unnecessary distress. This study describes an audit of vascular lesions in children from one center in which the classification system described by Mulliken and Glowacki was used to establish diagnosis. Seventy patients with vascular lesions attending vascular lesion clinics, miscellaneous plastic surgery clinics and laser lists in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, were studied. A proforma was completed using information from the patients and their medical records. The initial diagnosis given to parents was inaccurate in 69% of patients. Furthermore, 53% of parents were given an incorrect account of what to expect with regard to progression of the lesion and the prospect of future treatment. Altogether, in 71% of instances some inappropriate terminology was applied during the course of the child's management. Plastic surgeons were the most accurate diagnosticians. This study highlights the fact that a selection of misleading and erroneous terms is still regularly used in medical practice. The recommended classifications are rarely adhered to and in consequence efficient communications between professionals and families is often lacking.