OasisLMS

This course provides an overview of vascular anomalies, a diverse group of disorders ranging from simple birthmarks to complex, life-threatening conditions. Learners will explore the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification system, key clinical features, underlying pathophysiology, and recent advances in molecular genetics. The course highlights the role of genetic mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAS/MAPK pathways and their impact on diagnosis and targeted therapies. Participants will gain insight into diagnostic approaches, including clinical evaluation, imaging, and genetic testing, as well as current treatment options such as observation, medical therapy, laser treatment, endovascular interventions, and surgical resection. Emphasis is placed on the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach to optimize patient outcomes. 

Intended Audience

This educational activity is intended for all CME-related persons including plastic surgery practitioners, residents, and other healthcare professionals.

Learning Objectives

After viewing this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Classify vascular anomalies as either proliferative tumors or structural malformations using the current International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies biological framework.
2. Identify key molecular pathways and somatic mutations that serve as targets for modern medical therapies
3. Differentiate between high-flow and slow-flow malformations based on hemodynamic characteristics observed in Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.
4. Summarize the indications, mechanisms of action, and potential adverse effects of primary pharmacologic agents, including propranolol and sirolimus.
5. Formulate a multidisciplinary management plan that integrates medical, laser, and surgical modalities tailored to specific anomaly subtypes

Gosain, Arun K. MD
Rai, Parul MD
George, Emily MD
Rodriguez, Gabrielle C. MD

Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD

Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD

Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MD

• Patient Care and Procedural Skills
• Medical Knowledge
• Practice-based Learning and Improvement

Accreditation

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation

The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM: 1.0

Media: Journal Article

Release Date: 6/1/2026

Expiration Date: 6/1/2029*

Estimated time to complete this course: 1 hour

*Course access ends on course expiration date

Disclosure Policy

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires all instructors, planners, reviewers, managers and other individuals in a position to control or influence the content of an activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships or affiliations. All identified conflicts of interest must be resolved and the educational content thoroughly vetted by ASPS for fair balance, scientific objectivity and appropriateness of patient care recommendations. ASPS also requires faculty/authors to disclose when off-label/unapproved uses of product are discussed in a CME activity or included in related materials.

Disclaimer: All relevant financial relationships for planners, faculty and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) are reviewed by the ASPS Continuing Education Committee and have been mitigated, if applicable.

The following planners and faculty members have no relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:

Gosain, Arun K. MD

Rai, Parul MD

George, Emily MD

Rodriguez, Gabrielle C. MD

Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD

Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD

Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MD

Recognition Statement

The Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits offered by this activity are enhanced by ASPS Learner Credit Reporting for learners who have opted into this reporting. Successful completion of this CME activity enables active American Board of Surgery (ABS) members the opportunity to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the ABS's Continuous Certification program when claimed within 30 days of completion of the activity.

Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)

Participants in ASPS-accredited education who want their CME credits reported to certifying and state licensing boards must opt-in to reporting and add their NPI as well as state license ID and/or collaborating board ID(s) before claiming credit.