Active angiogenesis in an extensive arteriovenous vascular malformation: a possible therapeutic target?

V ascular malformations result from the aberrant development of vascular elements during embryogenesis and fetal maturation. Despite apparent endothelial quiescence, some vascular malformations can expand rapidly during adolescence or pregnancy, after a surgical procedure, or in response to trauma. The pathogenesis of vascular malformations is not well clarified, but their formation and progression are closely related to angiogenesis, a complicated network that is closely regulated by many angiogenic factors.