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ABOUT ISSVA Vascular malformations and hemangiomas are well known as relatively rare and difficult diseases, that only very few physicians like to treat. Jörg Vollmar (Germany), Edmondo Malan (Italy), Lajos Soltesz (Hungary) and others have been pioneers in this field. Although their work was important in the understanding of these diseases, concepts remain unclear and treatments often discouraged by doctors. In 1976, Anthony Young (London) and John Mulliken (Boston) organized a small meeting with all colleagues interested in these problems, in order to exchange experiences and discuss difficult cases. Meetings were held again every two years with increasing interest. During the congress held in 1990 in Amsterdam, organized by Jan Kromhout, a group of experts agreed to found a scientific society which should bring together all physicians interested in vascular malformations and hemangiomas, in order to obtain international acceptance. During the meeting held in Denver in 1992, organized by Wayne Yakes, the new society was founded. The first assembly decided the name of the newborn: I.S.S.V.A., International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. First President was Robert Schobinger (Switzerland). ISSVA brings together experts in angiodysplasias and hemangiomas of all specialities that want to work in scientific progress, free exchange of information, teaching and clinical work. Multidisciplinary work is the best approach to these diseases. AIMS OF ISSVA - To stimulate scientific research in order to improve knowledge in vascular anomalies. The term “anomalies” should include vascular malformations and vascular tumors. Hemangiomas are the most important group of vascular tumors; they should be clearly distinguished from vascular malformations - To improve exchange of know-how between members and interested groups through workshops, courses (even in connection with international meetings) and publications. - To elaborate a common language for the different types of vascular malformations, mainly based on a descriptive terminology, instead of the use of common name based syndromes. This should help to avoid misleading diagnosis, as syndromes with the same name have been given to different types of vascular malformations. Experience has shown that descriptive terminology helps to get a clear morphological and anatomical knowledge of the defect. A common classification was elaborated for the first time and presented in 1996, during the meeting in Rome. - To organize an international registry to collect worldwide experience in the management of vascular malformations For more information about ISSVA please contact the web site http:// www.issva.org
CHRONOLOGY OF FORMER MEETINGS Number year site organizer
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