Which vascular condition is described as a true congenital anomaly or birthmark that often regresses spontaneously?

• A. Nevus flammeus
• B. Sturge-Weber syndrome
• C. Port-wine stain
• D. Spider telangiectasia

Answer: (A)

The main idea is distinguishing a congenital vascular birthmark that may fade over time from other vascular conditions. Nevus flammeus is a true congenital capillary malformation present at birth. It often lightens or involutes during infancy, so it’s described as regressing spontaneously in many cases. This contrasts with port-wine stains, which are persistent capillary malformations that usually do not regress and can become darker or thicker with age. Sturge-Weber syndrome is a broader neurocutaneous disorder with a facial birthmark plus brain involvement, not simply a regressing birthmark. Spider telangiectasia is an acquired lesion seen in adults, not a congenital birthmark. Therefore, nevus flammeus best fits the description.