Screening for infantile hepatic hemangioma in patients with cutaneous infantile hemangioma: A multicenter prospective study

How many is too many? A review of the significant numbers in pediatric skin lesions and their recommended evaluation

Pediatric dermatologists are frequently consulted to evaluate children for cutaneous signs of systemic disorders. Numerical thresholds of significance have been described in the dermatologic literature for various skin findings where the likelihood of an associated extracutaneous abnormality or known genetic syndrome increases significantly. Knowledge of these numerical thresholds facilitates diagnosis and management, which improves clinical outcomes and avoids severe complications. This review highlights the clinical presentation, complications, evaluation, and numerical significance, when applicable, for the following skin findings: infantile hemangiomas, capillary malformations, café-au-lait macules, hypopigmented macules, juvenile xanthogranulomas, pilomatricomas, and angiofibromas.

Infantile hemangiomas: a dermatologist's perspective

Infantile hemangioma (IH), the most common vascular tumor in pediatrics, is thought to arise from aberrant stem cell responses to stimuli such as hypoxia. This review explores the diverse manifestations, complications, and management strategies for IH, emphasizing the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The epidemiology and risk factors associated with IH, including connections to prematurity, low birth weight, and family background, are discussed. The intricate pathogenesis involving hemangioma stem cells, KIAA1429, hypoxia, and the renin-angiotensin system is examined. The natural history and clinical features, as well as extracutaneous involvements such as hepatic IH, PHACES syndrome, and LUMBAR syndrome, are detailed. Complications such as ulceration, functional impairment, hypothyroidism, and cosmetic concerns are highlighted. The differential diagnosis and diagnostic modalities, including colorimeters, high-frequency ultrasonography, and imaging techniques, are discussed. Management approaches, including the use of propranolol, atenolol, corticosteroids, alternative systemic treatments, topical therapy, laser therapy, and surgery, are comprehensively reviewed. The evolving landscape of IH management is underscored, with ongoing research exploring alternative treatments and individualized approaches based on IH characteristics.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Soft Tissue Vascular Anomalies: Vascular Malformations and Infantile Vascular Tumors (Non-CNS)-Child

Soft tissue vascular anomalies may be composed of arterial, venous, and/or lymphatic elements, and diagnosed prenatally or later in childhood or adulthood. They are divided into categories of vascular malformations and vascular tumors. Vascular malformations are further divided into low-flow and fast-flow lesions. A low-flow lesion is most common, with a prevalence of 70%. Vascular tumors may behave in a benign, locally aggressive, borderline, or malignant manner. Infantile hemangioma is a vascular tumor that presents in the neonatal period and then regresses. The presence or multiple skin lesions in an infant can signal underlying visceral vascular anomalies, and complex anomalies may be associated with overgrowth syndromes. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

Itraconazole Oral Solution for Infantile Complicated Hemangioma with Double Lesions on the Skin and One Inside the Liver

An infantile hemangioma is a congenital benign tumor formed by the proliferation of vascular cells during the embryonic stage. It is more common in the skin but can also occur in the mucous membranes, liver, brain and muscle. Hepatic hemangioma appears to be a benign tumor; however, it may lead to poor outcomes because of severe complications, such as high-output cardiac failure. The main treatment of hepatic hemangioma in infants is oral drugs, such as propranolol and glucocorticoids, but the clinical response is not always satisfactory. We describe a rare case of a 2-month-old boy who presented with infantile cutaneous and hepatic hemangiomas. By using dermoscopy and observations of the abdominal color Doppler ultrasound, after 9 months of oral treatment with itraconazole solution, the infantile cutaneous hemangioma complicated with hepatic hemangioma was eventually cured. There was no liver or kidney function damage during the whole treatment period. Itraconazole oral solution for the treatment of infantile cutaneous hemangioma complicated with hepatic hemangioma showed good efficacy, compliance, and safety in this case.

Clinical features of cutaneous infantile hemangioma combined with asymptomatic infantile hepatic hemangioma and efficacy of propranolol treatment

INTRODUCTION

Infantile hepatic hemangioma (IHH) is a common liver tumor in infants and shares the same characteristics as cutaneous infantile hemangioma (IH). Propranolol is effective for symptomatic IHH. The clinical features between cutaneous IH and IHH, and treatment efficacy of IHH (smaller than 4 cm) is unclear. To evaluate the correlation of clinical features between cutaneous IH and IHH, as well as efficacy of systemic propranolol in the treatment of cutaneous IH combined with IHH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical data of infants with complicated cutaneous IH combined with IHH treated with systemic propranolol (1.5 ~ 2 mg/(kg d)) from January 2011 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-five cases with IHH combined with complicated cutaneous IH were reviewed. Single cutaneous IH is more likely to be combined with focal IHH, cutaneous IH greater than 5, more likely to be combined with multiple IHH (Pearson = 0.546, p < 0.01). The mean age of focal and multiple IHH regression was 11.93 ± 14.42 months and 10.20 ± 9.15 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of cutaneous IH were correlated with the number of IHH. There was no difference in the age of complete remission for focal and multiple IHH.

[Infantile hemangioma : Clinical manifestation, treatment, and differential diagnoses]

With an incidence of approximately 4% infantile hemangiomas are the most common vascular tumors in children and show characteristic growth dynamics. In order to avoid erroneous treatment, they need to be differentiated from other vascular tumors (granuloma pyogenicum and kaposiform hemangioendothelioma) and vascular malformations. Of all infantile hemangiomas 85% are uncomplicated and undergo spontaneous resolution starting towards the end of the first year of life. First-line treatment for complicated infantile hemangiomas (15%), i.e. those with imminent obstruction (eyes and nose), ulceration or permanent disfigurement, is oral propranolol (2 mg/kg BW and day for at least 6 months).

Clinical evaluation of transcatheter arterial embolization combined with propranolol orally treatment of infantile hepatic hemangioma

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) plus propranolol treatment for infantile hepatic hemangioma (IHH).

METHODS

A retrospective study of symptomatic IHH and hemodynamic changes in IHH was conducted between 2016 and 2019.

RESULTS

There were five boys and seven girls with diffuse lesions (n = 7) and multifocal lesions (n = 5). Hepatomegaly and abdominal distension (n = 6) were the predominant clinical presentations. Seven patients (58.3%) had multiple cutaneous hemangiomas. Pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure (n = 4), and hypothyroidism (n = 4) were observed. A total of 17 TAE procedures were performed in 12 IHH cases, with a technical success rate of 100%. All patients received standard propranolol orally, and one patient was orally administered metacortandracin. Two patients died of heart failure and multiple organ dysfunction caused by an enlarged liver. In addition, one patient was not reexamined after discharge. Of the remaining nine children, the average follow-up time was 10.78 months (range 2-28 months), and they all responded well to TAE combined with oral propranolol.

CONCLUSION

TAE combined with propranolol is safe and effective for the treatment of IHH, demonstrating low complication rates.

Multimodality Treatment of Vascular Anomalies of The Head And Neck

Vascular anomalies affect up to 5% of children with the majority affecting the head and neck. They present at different ages as a wide variety of lesions. Careful evaluation with history, physcial examination and imaging assist in the proper diagnosis. Depending on the condition, treatment options for vascular anomalies include topical therapy, selective photothermolysis, sclerotherapy, embolization, surgical excision and targeted systemic therapy. Staged multimodal therapeutic regimens have proven to best control disease and allow for preservation of function and aesthetics. The timing, sequence and combination of therapies is best determined by a multidisciplinary vascular anomalies team. Patients and families need to be counseled on anticipated positive outcomes following a protracted course of treatment for the majority of vascular anomalies.

Infantile hepatic hemangiomas: looking backwards and forwards

Infantile hepatic hemangiomas (IHHs) are common benign tumors seen in the liver of infants. IHHs are true infantile hemangiomas (IHs) and have phases of proliferation and involution parallel to those of cutaneous IHs. The definition and classification of IHH are still confusing in the literature. The mechanisms during the pathogenesis of IHH have yet to be discovered. The clinical manifestations of IHH are heterogeneous. Although most IHH lesions are asymptomatic, some lesions can lead to severe complications, such as hypothyroidism, consumptive coagulopathy, and high-output congestive cardiac failure. Consequently, some patients can possibly encounter a fatal clinical condition. The heterogeneity of the lesions and the occurrence of disease-related comorbidities can make the treatment of IHH challenging. Oral propranolol is emerging as an effective systemic approach to IHH with obvious responses in tumor remission and symptom regression. However, the precise clinical characteristics and treatment strategies for patients with severe IHH have not yet been well established. Here, we summarize the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanism, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of IHH. Recent updates and future perspectives for IHH will also be elaborated.

Medical Management of Infantile Hemangiomas: An Update

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign vascular tumor of infancy, affecting about 5% of infants. It has a characteristic growth pattern of early rapid proliferation followed by progressive involution. Although most IH evolve favorably, complications are observed in 10-15% of cases, justifying treatment. For over 10 years now, propranolol has become the first-line therapy for complicated IH, revolutionizing their management and their prognosis. In this article, we review the clinical features, associations, complications/sequelae and therapeutic approaches for IH, focusing on current medical therapy. Indications for treatment and various treatment options, including propranolol and other oral β-blockers, topical timolol, and corticosteroids are presented. Current controversies regarding oral propranolol such as pre-treatment screening, in- vs out-patient initiation of treatment, early and potential long-term side effects and recommended monitoring are discussed.

Infantile hemangioma. Part 1: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation and assessment

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common pediatric vascular tumor. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood but thought to represent an aberrant response of pluripotent stem cells to stimuli such as hypoxia and the renin-angiotensin-system. IH usually appears during the first few weeks of life and follows a characteristic natural trajectory of proliferation and involution. Their clinical appearance depends on their depth and distribution. Classification comprises superficial, mixed and deep IH as well as IH with minimal or arrested growth. Multifocal IHs are more likely to be associated with infantile hepatic hemangioma, and although the need for screening based on a specific number of IH has been recently debated, 5 remains the most widely acceptable cut off point. Large facial or lumbar IH warrants investigation for PHACE and LUMBAR syndrome, respectively. Complications of IH include ulceration, obstruction or functional impairment, hypothyroidism, and cosmetic sequelae. Differential diagnoses mostly consist of other vascular tumors and vascular malformations, though IH may sometimes mimic non-vascular tumors or developmental anomalies. Diagnosis is usually clinical and biopsy rarely indicated. High-frequency ultrasonography may help with the differential diagnosis, particularly with subcutaneous lesions. Referral to other specialists may be required in specific cases.

Pediatric Primary Hepatic Tumors: Diagnostic Considerations

The liver is the third most common site of abdominal tumors in children. This review article aims to summarize current evidence surrounding identification and diagnosis of primary hepatic tumors in the pediatric population based upon clinical presentation, epidemiology, and risk factors as well as classical imaging, histopathological, and molecular diagnostic findings. Readers will be able to recognize the features and distinguish between benign and malignant hepatic tumors within different age groups.