Venous Malformation in the Breast: Imaging Features to Avoid Unnecessary Biopsies or Surgery

Abstract

Venous malformations are now categorised under the broad heading of slow flow vascular malformations. They comprise abnormally dilated venous channels that fail to involute. These may be superficial or deep in location. We describe two cases of venous malformation in breast. Both the patients presented with focal pain in one breast. On mammography, they appeared as equal density well circumscribed soft tissue masses. No sonographic correlate was found on initial ultrasound examination. Subsequent ultrasonography performed by an experienced radiologist with minimal probe pressure revealed dilated veins. On the basis of imaging findings, the diagnosis of venous malformation was established.