Pediatric Vascular Anomalies: Advances and Challenges

Pediatric vascular anomalies encompass a heterogeneous group of conditions involving abnormal development of blood or lymphatic vessels, presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to their complex pathophysiology, varied clinical manifestations, and impact on growth and development. These lesions—classified as vascular tumors (e.g., infantile hemangiomas) or malformations (e.g., venous, lymphatic, arteriovenous)—often cause functional impairment, disfigurement, pain, and life-threatening complications such as hemorrhage, coagulopathy (e.g., Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon), or airway compromise. The management of children with these disorders demands a multidisciplinary approach integrating genetics, interventional radiology, surgery, and pharmacotherapy. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics (e.g., *PIK3CA*-related disorders) and targeted therapies (e.g., sirolimus, propranolol) have revolutionized treatment paradigms. However, significant knowledge gaps persist in risk stratification, long-term outcomes, and optimizing personalized strategies to mitigate recurrence and morbidity.

Goal of this Research Topic

This collection aims to synthesize cutting-edge research and innovative clinical approaches in pediatric vascular anomalies, focusing on improving diagnostic accuracy, refining therapeutic efficacy, and enhancing quality of life. We seek to address critical challenges in classification, multidisciplinary coordination, and management of complex cases through evidence-based advances. By curating contributions from global experts, this initiative will foster collaboration, standardize best practices, and ultimately transform care pathways for affected children.

Themes for Submission

Authors are invited to submit original research, systematic reviews, and case series on the following themes:

1.Molecular Pathogenesis & Genetic Diagnostics:
Investigate novel genetic drivers (e.g., TEK, GNAQ/GNA11) and their implications for targeted interventions.

2. Interventional Radiology Innovations:
Explore efficacy/safety of emerging sclerotherapy, embolization, or laser techniques for complex malformations.

3. Medical Therapeutics & Clinical Trials:
Evaluate outcomes of mTOR inhibitors, beta-blockers, or novel agents (e.g., ALK inhibitors) in refractory cases.

4. Surgical Reconstruction & Functional Outcomes:
Analyze techniques for resection, debulking, or reconstruction prioritizing organ function and cosmesis.

5. Multidisciplinary Care & Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs):
Develop models for integrated care (hematology/radiology/surgery) and tools to measure psychosocial impact.

Submission Guidelines

Manuscripts should address current knowledge gaps, propose data-driven solutions, and discuss translational relevance. Submissions featuring biomarker validation, long-term outcome studies, or health-economic analyses are particularly encouraged.

Key Structural Elements Incorporated:

1. Background Challenges:
Heterogeneity, functional impact, life-threatening risks
Emphasis on molecular advances and unmet needs

2. Goal Statement:
Focus on diagnosis, therapy, and QoL improvement
Multidisciplinary collaboration and standardization

3. Thematic Pillars:
Mirror original 5 themes with domain-specific topics
Examples: Molecular Pathogenesis (=anesthesia neurodevelopment), Interventional Innovations (= airway/nerve blocks)

4. Submission Call:
Clear article types (research/reviews/cases)
Emphasis on novelty, evidence, and clinical translation

5. Clinical Keywords:
Kasabach-Merritt, sclerotherapy, sirolimus, PROs, PIK3CA, embolization, multidisciplinary

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Kasabach-Merritt, sclerotherapy, sirolimus, PROs, PIK3CA, embolization, multidisciplinary

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.