Table 2 Overview of the characteristics features and need for imaging of vascular tumors

Infantile hemangioma

GLUT-1 positive

Solid vascularized mass, cutaneous lesions present frequently as raspberry-like patches at any part of the body, lesion typically do not appear before 2 weeks of age

Rarely required, if required US most frequently sufficient

Congenital hemangioma

GLUT-1 negative

Similar appearance compared to infantile hemangioma, present at birth

Rarely required, if required US most frequently sufficient

Pyogenic granuloma

GLUT-1 negative

Small (≤ 1 cm), sessile or pedunculated red papule or nodule

Not required

TA/kaposiform hemangioendothelioma

Positive for PROX-1, Podoplanin/D2–40, LYVE-1, CD31, and CD34 but GLUT-1 negative

Expanding ecchymotic firm mass with purpura and accompanying lymphedema

MRI including MR angiography recommended

PILA/Dapska tumor

Peri- and intravascular lymphocytic infiltrates are common, endothelials cells frequently positive for CD31, CD34, ‘D2–40 and VEGFR-3

Red infiltrating singular plaque, affecting cutis and subcutis

Not required

Kaposi sarcoma

Immunoreactivity for LANA-1, an HHV-8 viral antigen is pathognomonic

Sharply demarcated patch or later plaque-like infiltrates of skin and subcutaneous tissue (cutaneous manifestations)

Imaging rarely required for cutaneous manifestation, recommended for visceral manifestations

Epitheloid hemangioendothelioma

Positive for CD31 and factor VIII, variably for CD34, epitheloid endothelial cells within a hyalinized or myxoid stroma

Red-brownish plaque or nodule (cutaneous lesions)

MRI including MR angiography recommended, CT imaging for stating purpose

Angiosarcoma

Positive for CD31 and CD34, and also for factor VIII, necrosis and hemorrhage common, angiosarcomas can be GLUT-1 positive

Diffuse infiltrating mass, clinical findings rarely specific

MRI including MR angiography recommended, CT imaging for stating purpose, PET imaging may be helpful in dedicated cases