Vascular Anomalies

Vascular anomalies are differences in how your child’s blood vessels form or function. We help you understand the diagnosis and guide your child’s care with clarity and compassion.
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Vascular anomalies are conditions that affect how your child’s arteries, veins, lymphatic vessels, or capillaries develop. Some are first noticed on a prenatal ultrasound, while others appear in infancy or early childhood. These conditions can range from simple birthmarks to complex malformations that affect blood flow or organ function. 

What sets us apart
At UI Health Care, you have access to pediatric specialists who understand how these anomalies behave, grow, and change over time. Our fetal cardiology, pediatric cardiology, imaging, and surgical teams work together to give you a precise diagnosis and a clear plan for treatment.

Vascular anomalies symptoms

Vascular anomalies can look and behave differently depending on the vessel involved. You should contact your care team if you notice any of the following symptoms: 

  • Skin discoloration or visible markings 
  • Soft or firm masses under the skin 
  • Swelling in a limb or part of the body 
  • Rapidly growing lesions in infancy 
  • Breathing or feeding concerns  

How vascular anomalies are diagnosed

Your child’s evaluation may begin even before birth through our fetal cardiology program, which uses advanced imaging to assess heart structure and blood flow. After birth, if symptoms appear, your child’s care team will review their health history, symptoms, and perform a thorough physical examination. They may also order diagnostic tests such as: 

Our specialists will explain every step in clear, supportive language, so you understand what the findings mean and what to expect next. 

Pediatric vascular anomaly treatment 

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the anomaly. Many mild conditions only require monitoring, while others benefit from medication, procedures, or surgery. We tailor every plan to your child’s needs. 

Observation and monitoring

Some vascular anomalies simply need time and a careful watch. We track growth and symptoms and guide you on what to look for at home. 

Medication

Certain anomalies — such as infantile hemangiomas — respond well to medications like beta-blockers, which can slow or shrink the growth

Laser therapy

Laser treatment can improve the appearance or symptoms of skin-based vascular anomalies such as port-wine stains. 

Interventional radiology procedures

Our specialists use minimally invasive options such as sclerotherapy or embolization to reduce or block abnormal blood flow. 

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended for anomalies that cause symptoms, affect organ function, or don’t respond to other therapies. Our surgeons work closely with cardiology and imaging to plan the safest approach.

Coordinated, multidisciplinary care 

Because vascular anomalies can affect breathing, feeding, circulation, or a child’s overall development, we bring together the right specialists at every stage of care. Our multidisciplinary team may include experts from otolaryngology, dermatology, oncology, cardiology, and pediatric surgery, ensuring your child receives comprehensive, well‑coordinated evaluation and treatment. 

 

Support services for vascular anomalies

We know your family needs support beyond medical care. That’s why you have access to child life services, social work, nutrition guidance, and genetic counseling when appropriate. We’ll also help coordinate follow-up appointments and connect you with additional specialists as needed. 

A collaborative approach to care

Your child’s care begins with a thorough evaluation by a pediatric cardiology, fetal cardiology, or vascular anomalies specialist. We review imaging together, explain the diagnosis in clear terms, and outline next steps. You’ll have a coordinated team guiding you from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, with specialists collaborating behind the scenes to provide your child with the safest, most comprehensive care. 

Common questions about vascular anomalies

Are vascular anomalies preventable?

Most pediatric vascular anomalies are congenital and not caused by anything a parent does during pregnancy. They often occur due to genetic changes that happen spontaneously.

Do vascular anomalies grow over time?

Some do. Early evaluation helps us predict how an anomaly may behave and whether treatment is recommended now or later.

Need help finding a vascular anomalies specialist?

When you call, we’ll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-888-573-5437 Request an appointment Refer a patient

Locations and Offices

Otolaryngology Clinic (2 PFP)
21291 Pomerantz Family Pavilion (PFP)
Level 2, Elevator L
1-319-356-2201
Clinic
Otolaryngology Clinic at UI Hospitals & Clinics
In Medical Center University
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Otolaryngology Clinic (2 PFP)
21291 Pomerantz Family Pavilion (PFP)
Level 2, Elevator L
1-319-356-2201
Clinic
Otolaryngology Clinic at UI Hospitals & Clinics
In Medical Center University
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Pediatric Specialty Clinic (2 JPP)
2800 John Pappajohn Pavilion (JPP)
Elevator I, Level 2
1-319-356-2229
Clinic
Pediatric Specialty Clinic Main Entrance
In Stead Family Children's Hospital
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Cedar Rapids – A Avenue NE
Suite 310
1-319-558-4951
Clinic
In Cedar Rapids, A Avenue NE
855 A Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Urbandale, 86th Street
1-515-457-2960
Urbandale 86th Street location exterior, UI Health Care
In Urbandale, 86th Street
2901 86th Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
Davenport - East Rusholme Street
Suite 100
1-563-344-7810
Clinic
Exterior image of Davenport on Rusholme Street
In Davenport, East Rusholme Street
1236 E. Rusholme Street, Davenport, IA 52803
Dubuque-Mercy Drive
1-855-543-2884
Clinic
Dubuque Mercy Exterior Image
In Dubuque, Mercy Drive
250 Mercy Drive, Dubuque, IA 52001
Sioux Falls, SD-West 22nd Street
1-605-312-1000
Clinic
Exterior image of Sioux City location
In Sioux Falls, SD, West 22nd Street
1600 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 57117
Clinical Trials
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Educational Resources

Managing Syncope and Indications for Pediatric Cardiology Referral
Cardiology: PICU Handbook
Cardiology: NICU Handbook

Support Groups

Heart Friends Support Groups

Heart Friends supports parents, siblings, and caregivers of children with congenital or acquired heart disease. A child’s heart condition is more than a medical experience. It affects every aspect of family life. Heart Friends gives you a community of families who truly understand, helping you find emotional support, educational tools, and social connections when it matters most.

What is Heart Friends? 

Heart Friends is a statewide network for families receiving cardiac care at University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, with chapters across Iowa.  

With a mission to provide emotional and educational support, raise awareness of congenital heart disease, and build a strong community for families at every stage of the heart-care journey, Heart Friends offers: 

  • Emotional support and mentoring through peer connection with other families who have walked similar paths. 
  • Educational events that give you reliable information about congenital heart defects, treatments, and long-term care. 
  • Social gatherings and chapter events so your children and your family can meet others and just have fun. 

All families have different needs, so we allow you to join at any point in your child's heart journey when you are ready to share with others. What we do is create connection, awareness, and a place where you feel heard and understood. 

When to join Heart Friends 

You may find Heart Friends helpful: 

  • When your child is newly diagnosed with a heart condition, and you’re looking for support and guidance. 
  • When you’re facing surgery or complex care and want families who’ve been there. 
  • When you’re feeling isolated, want to connect with other siblings or caregivers, or need educational resources. 
  • Even when your child is stable, but you want to join a community with social events and children’s activities with peers who understand. 

If at any point in your heart-care journey you feel you’d benefit from connection, reassurance, or resources — it’s a good time to join. 

What to expect 

When you become part of Heart Friends, you’ll have access to: 

  • Chapters in multiple regions (UIHC, Dubuque chapter, Waterloo chapter and Central Iowa chapter) with local event invitations. 
  • Welcome materials and social media options 
  • Social gatherings (annual CHD Day events, sporting events, family events, parent events, and more!) where you and your children can meet others. 
  • Opportunities to volunteer or support awareness efforts if you’d like to give back. 

Our program allows you to participate at your own pace and according to what your family needs. 

Donate to Heart Friends

We are grateful for the many generous individuals and organizations who wish to bring cheer and comfort to our young patients and their families. You often ask how you can help. The biggest impact you can make is through a monetary donation to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital Fund. This fund provides support for the most urgent needs of Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
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Heart Friends Support Group Contacts

UI Health Care Chapter
Trudy Pierick
[email protected]

Dubuque Chapter
Jesi Duve
[email protected]

Lindsey Schueller
[email protected]

Waterloo Chapter
Molly Burns
[email protected]

Kris Messner
[email protected]

Central Iowa Chapter
Brittany Devereaux 
[email protected]

Autumn Wolbert
[email protected]

 

 

Awards and Recognition

Designated a Cardiomyopathy Center of Care
Designated a Cardiomyopathy Center of Care
University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children's Hospital has been named a Cardiomyopathy Center of Care by the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation (CCF), a national nonprofit committed to improving health outcomes and quality of life for children with cardiomyopathy. Stead Family Children's Hospital received this recognition for consistently providing high-quality cardiac care and specialized disease management for children with all forms of cardiomyopathy.