Regression of a venous malformation during angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor treatment for hypertension

Recent studies have reported that components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are expressed in venous malformations by embryonic stem cell-like subpopulations. It has been hypothesized that these cells are sustained by the RAS and, therefore, could be a novel therapeutic target, using medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. A young man with a symptomatic intramuscular venous malformation of the upper limb, and hypertension was treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. After 8 months of treatment, we registered a considerable volume reduction of the venous malformation and a reduction in pain. Our observation warrants further research on the link between the RAS and venous malformations.