Patients with vascular malformations (VAMs) had increased pain and psychosocial distress compared with the US general population, according to a recent systemic review and meta-analysis. In addition, pain and psychological morbidity are associated with poorer health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and may serve as indicators for quality of life. A comprehensive literature search was performed from 1946 to March 31, 2017, with the consultation of an experienced librarian. All VAM studies with validated HRQOL instruments published in the English language were included. Highlights include:

• 11 studies met the inclusion criteria for a total of 692 patients with VAMs.
• 6 studies (320 patients) were included in the meta-analysis, whereas 5 studies were included in the qualitative analysis (372 patients).
• Those with VAMs had lower 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores in bodily pain (mean difference, −11.87; 95% CI, −21.45 to −2.29; I2 = 92%) and mental health (mean difference, −6.04; 95% CI, −11.55 to −0.52; I2 = 83%) compared with the US general population.