Abstract
Vascular malformations, in particular venous malformations (VM), are common lesions
involving the pediatric and adolescent population. VM occur at approximately 1:5,000
to 10,000; approximately 40% of them occur in the head and neck regions. Classical
appearance of VM on imaging is a demonstration of near-normal–sized or mildly dilated
feeding arteries which subsequently lead to dilated venous structures of varying caliber,
thus constituting the malformation. Phleboliths are the hallmark of VM. Plain radiography
has been an established modality for demonstrating phleboliths. The emergence of computed
tomographic (CT) as a preferred imaging modality for the evaluation of a complex vascular
malformation necessitates familiarity with the spectrum of CT appearances of this
lesion. This presentation illustrates an additional CT sign, “shining pearls sign,”
highlighting the striking display of phleboliths in the vascular malformations, prompting
correct diagnosis.
Keywords
venous malformation - shining pearls sign - phlebolith - CT
