Vascular Anomalies Patient Day 2025 – Argentina

On Saturday, April 12, 2025, the Interdisciplinary Center for Vascular Anomalies at Sanatorio Mater Deiis in collaboration with our CMTC-OVM organization organized a meeting ‘Vascular Anomalies Patient Day’ for patients, their families and healthcare professionals in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

This was arranged together with our Patient Advocate Josefina and several local doctors. Because Lex attended the ‘Worldwide Congress for Pediatric Dermatology’, we were able to combine this nicely. In advance, about 11 kilos of Spanish information brochures and booklets had already been sent as a package so that Lex could take the English material, the standing banner and of course chocolate and syrup waffles.

A lot of the Spanish information material was taken along for use in the hospital and the clinic.

The last time Lex was in Argentina was 15 years ago. Then Lex was only able to meet one family. They were present again this time.

In total, around 28 people were present, including 6 doctors with different disciplines. These were:

1. Dr. Dario Teplisky (intervention radiologist).
2. Dr. Augustina Lanoel (dermatologist).
3. Dr. Ignacio Bois (intervention radiologist).
4. Dr. De Stefano (surgeon).
5. Dr. Agostina Tardivo (geneticist).
6. Dr. Nicolás Affranchino (pediatrician).

The purpose of the meeting was to provide an explanation of vascular malformations and to connect patients and their families with vascular malformation specialists in a friendly atmosphere for learning, support and discussion.

1. What are vascular malformations and how are they diagnosed?
   Dr. Dario Teplisky (Head of Vascular Malformations Group at Garrahan Hospital).
   An overview of what vascular malformations are and how they are diagnosed using a combination of clinical history, physical examination and imaging tests such as ultrasound and MRI. The goal is to make an accurate diagnosis and guide families through the next steps.
2. Our team and our mission Dr. Dario Teplisky (Interventional Radiologist).
   Introduction to the team, consisting of pediatricians, dermatologists, interventional radiologists, surgeons, geneticists and hematologists. The team works together to evaluate each patient and develop a personalized care plan, always involving the family.
3. Genetics and vascular syndromes.
   Dr. Agostina Tardivo (clinical geneticist).
   Explained the genetic aspects of vascular anomalies – some are isolated, others are part of syndromes. Genetic testing helps confirm the diagnosis and determine treatment. Most are not hereditary, but genetic insight improves care.
4. Treatment options at CIAV.
   Dr. Ignacio Bois & Dr. Sofía De Stefano (interventional radiologist and plastic surgeon).
   Overview of treatment options: observation, medication, laser, minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy and embolization, and surgery. Emphasis on personalized, team-based treatment.
5. Pharmacological treatments.
   Dr. Nicolás Affranchino (pediatrician).
   Discussed sirolimus and other medications for complex anomalies. Presented clinical results, explained safety measures, and highlighted success stories from patients from Hospital Garrahan and Materdei Clinic.
6. Infantile hemangiomas and propranolol treatment.
   Dr. Agustina Lanoel (dermatologist).
   Explained what infantile hemangiomas are and how propranolol is effectively used as a first-line treatment for high-risk cases. Described excellent response rates and monitoring protocols.

The session concluded with an open Q&A session where families were encouraged to ask questions, share their experiences and talk to the specialists during lunch. Then, with the families’ permission, photos and testimonials were shared on social media including Instagram, LinkedIn and websites.

Lex was the last to give a presentation. The presentation itself was made in Spanish and the details were discussed in English with Dr. Dario Teplisky translating into Spanish.

The event was warmly received by all in attendance. Many families expressed their gratitude for the quality of the talks, the simplicity of the language and the opportunity to connect directly with professionals. One mother shared:

Thank you so much for everything!! Really, you are all amazing. Thank you for giving us your time and sharing your knowledge in a way that we as parents can understand! And for organizing this beautiful space!

Conclusion
The Vascular Anomalies Patient Day was a milestone that reinforced our mission: to work closely with families, provide clear and compassionate information, and promote a team-based approach to care.
This was the first event of its kind ever held in Argentina – and probably in all of Latin America – that brought together patients, families, and an interdisciplinary medical team to learn, share, and build community.
We thank everyone who made this day possible – especially the families who entrusted us with their stories, questions, and time.

We have asked Dr. Dario Teplisky to be an advisor for at least Argentina, possibly South America, and he is happy to do so (link to advisors).

Dario has recently published a book, which he and part of his team presented to Prof. Dr. Miikka Vikkula at the WCPD2025 conference. We see this as a very valuable collaboration with South America that has now taken a major step towards the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of people living with vascular malformations and their families.