Vascular birthmark classification was updated in 1996 (Table I) and has gained widespread recognition as a clinically useful framework. Haemangiomas are differentiated from vascular malformations by their clinical presentation, radiology and pathology, particularly by their immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, it has now been established that the life-threatening coagulopathy seen in the Kasabach Merritt phenomenon (thrombocytopenic purpura due to consumption of platelets in association with a vascular lesion) is a complication of vascular tumours other than haemangiomas and does not occur with haemangiomas. Thus, the vast majority of patients with haemangiomas (10% of all neonates) can be spared a full blood count examination.
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