Conditions masquerading as infantile haemangioma: Part 2

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.

Radiologic and Clinical Features of Infantile Hemangioma: Potential Pitfalls and Differential Diagnosis

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common neoplasm in children, but it may mimic other types of vascular anomalies or nonvascular benign and malignant tumors. In most cases, the clinical appearance, time of onset, and pattern of involution facilitate its diagnosis. Imaging evaluation is not always needed since the IH features at clinical presentation are usually characteristic, but when needed, US and frequently MRI are the imaging modalities of choice. Clinical photography or photographic documentation plays a central role in monitoring these lesions over their clinical course. Photographic documentation can also add confidence and alert the radiologist when interpreting imaging studies. Some vascular anomalies, especially vascular malformations, are a frequent source of confusion, as these may resemble IHs clinically and at imaging. The lack of uniform terminology also hinders an accurate diagnosis. To unify the terminology and minimize confusion, the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies created a helpful classification in 1994. In addition, radiologists need to be aware of and become familiar with other neoplasms in children that may resemble IH to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures. Fibrous and lipomatous tumors are examples of benign tumors that can mimic IHs clinically and at imaging, whereas rhabdomyosarcoma, infantile fibrosarcoma, neuroblastoma, and lymphoproliferative disorders are examples of malignant neoplasms. The authors review the features of IH at clinical presentation and imaging evaluation, highlighting its different phases of evolution and stressing the importance of photographic documentation. The authors also review pitfalls of IH with helpful pearls for differentiation. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. See the invited commentary by Khanna and Briones in this issue.

How we approach hemangiomas in infants

Pediatric oncologists are increasingly involved in the management of benign vascular tumors and their associated life-threatening complications. Hemangiomas are the most common referring diagnosis to multidisciplinary vascular anomalies clinics. However, as contemporary research has revealed, hemangiomas are not a single, easily defined entity but rather a diverse set of related vascular tumors, each having a unique natural history, growth pattern, and response to therapy. This manuscript seeks to illustrate how we evaluate and manage these complex tumors, their complications, and associated syndromes, while remaining ever vigilant for malignant hemangioma mimickers such as soft tissue sarcomas and congenital leukemia.

Case Report: Congenital Intracranial Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma Treated With Surgical Resection

Background

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a locally aggressive but non-metastatic vascular neoplasm. Most studies have been restricted to small case series of limited generalizability. Intracranial KHE is extremely rare with only three cases reported in the literature. Here, we report a case of congenital intracranial KHE who underwent surgical resection, and no lesion recurrence was seen during the follow-up period of 13 months.

Case Description

A 2-month-old boy initially presented with a left temporal mass following birth. Antenatal ultrasound at 36 weeks of gestation demonstrated a hyperechoic signal present in the left frontal lobe, with clear borders and irregular morphology. There were neither cutaneous abnormalities nor other neurologic examination abnormalities. No laboratory abnormality was identified. Computed tomography (CT) scans suggested that a massive hematoma was noted under the left frontal skull plate, with a little subdural hemorrhage in the adjacent temporal area. The adjacent meninges enhanced and thickened on contrasted T1 magnetic resonance (MR). After the multidisciplinary diagnostic assessment, the surgery was performed by the left frontotemporal craniotomy approach. The operation was extremely difficult. We completely removed the tumor, and the involved dura and brain tissue were resected with the lesion in a piecemeal fashion. On postoperative-day (POD) 3 and POD 14, the head CT re-examination revealed that cerebral perfusion improved gradually. The MRI of 6- and 12-month after operation showed no local recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions

Intracranial KHE is difficult to diagnose early and the prognosis has been uniformly poor. We supposed that meticulous intraoperative hemostasis is the key for a successful operation, and the radical resection of the tumor and involved structures are essential to reduce recurrence.

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.

Pearls and Pitfalls in the Imaging of Soft-Tissue Masses in Children

There is a broad spectrum of soft-tissue masses in children that can be challenging to diagnose clinically and on imaging. This article reviews the typical clinical and imaging findings of the most common and relevant benign, intermediate and malignant pediatric soft-tissue tumors in the following categories of the 2013 World Health Organization (WHO) classification: adipocytic tumors (lipoma, lipoblastoma, and liposarcoma), fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumors (nodular fasciitis, myositis ossificans, fibrous hamartoma of infancy, fibromatosis colli, desmoid-type fibromatosis, lipofibromatosis, and infantile fibrosarcoma), pericytic tumors (myofibroma/myofibromatosis), skeletal muscle tumor (rhabdomyosarcoma), nerve sheath tumors (neurofibroma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor), and uncertain differentiation (synovial sarcoma). In general, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are used as first- and second-line imaging modalities, with limited roles for plain radiographs, computed tomography, and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Many of these tumors have nonspecific imaging findings although there are some key imaging clues that in conjunction with the clinical information allow a specific diagnosis or a narrow differential diagnosis. However, in many instances, histology is required for final diagnosis.

Lingual Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma in a 1-Year-Old Infant: Youngest Reported Case With Characteristic ASPSCR1-TFE3 Fusion

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is an exceptionally rare non-rhabdomyosarcomatous soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS), characterized by the translocation t(X;17) p(11.2;q25). This translocation results in the chimeric ASPSCR1-TFE3 transcription factor which drives tumorigenesis. Complete surgical resection is crucial in allowing a successful outcome in these cases. Here, we describe an 11-month-old female infant who presented with a well-circumscribed lesion of the tongue, with the clinical and radiologic appearances of an infantile hemangioma. This led to an initial plan for surveillance management. However, the mass continued to enlarge and the lesion was therefore biopsied when the infant was 17 months old. Histology showed plump epithelioid tumor cells, in many places lining pseudoalveolar spaces. Occasional Pas-D inclusions were present in the cytoplasm. Immunostaining showed nuclear positivity for TFE-3. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing confirmed the presence of ASPSCR1-TFE3 fusion transcripts, characteristic of the translocation t(X;17) p(11.2;q25) observed in ASPS. This represents the youngest reported ASPS case with a confirmed molecular diagnosis. Complete surgical resection was undertaken and a surveillance imaging schedule implemented. This case highlights the need for regular review of the initial diagnosis and the importance of multidisciplinary discussion and early biopsy where the clinical course does not follow that expected for the putative (nonhistologically confirmed) diagnosis.

Malignant tumors misdiagnosed as benign vascular anomalies

BACKGROUND

Malignant soft tissue tumors are rare and difficult to diagnose in children. These can initially be misdiagnosed as benign vascular anomalies. Management of these two conditions differs drastically and delay in diagnosis may impact overall survival.

PURPOSE

To predict qualities that may increase the index of suspicion for malignancy in patients presenting with lesions initially considered vascular anomalies.

METHODS

A retrospective review at a quaternary hemangioma and vascular malformation center of all patients who presented between 2008 and 2016 with an initial diagnosis of a benign vascular malformation, which on further work-up was noted to be a malignancy. Demographics, clinical presentation, and laboratory and radiologic studies were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eleven patients were identified; the median age at presentation was 2 months (0-24years). Ten out of 11 lesions had rapid growth, which prompted biopsy. Pain was an inconsistent finding (36%). Tumor markers were positive in only one case. Median follow-up was 3 years (range 6 months to 8 years); seven patients have no evidence of disease, two patients are under treatment for progression or relapse of disease, and two patients have died.

CONCLUSION

Although malignant vascular tumors are rare, a clear index of suspicion needs to be maintained particularly with rapid growth or increasing symptoms. Differentiation of malignant tumor from benign lesions relies on the comprehensive evaluation of clinical manifestations, evolution of the lesion, and abnormal clinical behavior, by an experienced multidisciplinary vascular malformation team. There should be a low threshold for biopsy of unclear vascular lesions.

Up-To-Date Practical Imaging Evaluation of Neonatal Soft-Tissue Tumors: What Radiologists Need to Know

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this article are to provide an up-to-date overview of neonatal soft-tissue tumors, including information regarding their unique nature, and to present practical imaging techniques and characteristic imaging findings.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal soft-tissue tumors are a unique set of neoplasms that often have characteristic clinical and imaging findings. Imaging evaluation, mainly with ultrasound and MRI, plays an important role in the initial diagnosis, staging, preoperative assessment, and follow-up evaluation. Clear understanding of practical imaging techniques combined with up-to-date knowledge of characteristic imaging findings can help the radiologist provide a timely and accurate diagnosis of these neoplasms and can lead to optimal neonatal patient care.

Mimickers of Infantile Hemangiomas

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common tumors of infancy and usually follow a typical course of growth and involution. We report four soft tissue tumors that were referred to the pediatric dermatology clinic as IHs and the process by which they were diagnosed and treated. Clinicians should be aware of presentations of these uncommon, but serious soft tissue tumors. Many of these mimickers have a vastly different clinical prognosis, and early intervention to limit sequelae is crucial. Biopsy of atypical lesions should be considered early in the diagnostic process since they have varied prognosis and treatment strategies.

Agminated Fibroblastic Conective Tissue Nevus: A New Clinical Presentation

Connective tissue nevi are benign hamartomatous lesions in which one or several of the components of the dermis (collagen, elastin, glicosaminoglycans) show predominance or depletion. Recently, de Feraudy et al broadened the spectrum of connective tissue nevus, describing fibroblastic connective tissue nevus (FCTN), which is characterized by proliferation of CD34(+) cells of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic lineage. Only solitary papules and nodules have been described. We present the first case of FCTN with multiple agminated lesions on the leg of an infant and the difficulties encountered in the differential diagnosis with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Infantile and congenital hemangiomas

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign vascular tumors of infancy. Since they predominantly involute without significant residua, the majority do not require treatment. Indications for intervention include ulceration, prevention of disfigurement, and impairment of function or vital structures. Some IHs have associated structural anomalies. When and which IH to treat requires knowledge of the natural history and clinical findings of increased risk. Congenital hemangiomas (CHs) are fully formed at birth. They also differ from IHs in their histological and immunohistochemical findings and thus represent a distinct clinical entity. Their clinical characteristics and management are also discussed.

Multisystemic Langerhans cell histiocytosis mimicking diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis

We report the first case of multisystemic Langerhans cell histiocytes mimicking diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis clinically. This has been described in patients with congenital self-healing reticulohistiocytosis but not in patients with acute, disseminated, and multisystemic disease. In our experience, dermoscopic findings did not help to diagnose the condition.

Congenital infantile fibrosarcoma of the lip

Infantile congenital fibrosarcomas are rare neoplasms that usually present on the extremities, and although they are locally invasive, they rarely metastasize. They are commonly misdiagnosed as hemangiomas or other vascular tumors, so further evaluation by pathology is required for proper diagnosis. We describe a newborn with a neoplastic growth of the lower lip that was thought to be an infantile hemangioma that did not respond to therapy. When the child was 2 months old, an incisional biopsy demonstrated a fibrosarcoma. This case highlights congenital infantile fibrosarcoma as a mimic of infantile hemangioma. To our knowledge this is first case report of congenital infantile fibrosarcoma involving the lip.

Intra-abdominal (Type IV) sacrococcygeal teratoma presenting with buttock hemangioma

Sacrococcygeal teratoma is the most common type of extragonadal germ cell tumor in infants and young children. Sacrococcygeal teratomas can uncommonly present in an intra-abdominal fashion, with minimal clinical findings. Dermatologic lesions overlying the vertebrae or buttocks are often associated with sacrococcygeal teratoma and may be the only clue to their presence. Here, we report a case of an intra-abdominal sacrococcygeal teratoma presenting with an anatomically separate buttock hemangioma.

Congenital myofibroma masquerading as an ulcerated infantile hemangioma in a neonate

We report a case of a solitary infantile myofibroma masquerading as an ulcerated infantile hemangioma. Infantile myofibroma is a rare soft tissue tumor that has a good prognosis in the solitary form. It may be difficult to distinguish clinically from more common tumors of infancy such as an infantile hemangioma or from other rare entities and therefore requires a biopsy for definitive diagnosis.

Complex vascular anomalies

The classification system for vascular anomalies now used by experts worldwide comprises two distinct disease entities that differ in their biologic and pathologic features: vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Vascular tumors include infantile and congenital hemangiomas, tufted angiomas, and kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas. Infantile hemangiomas, the most common vascular anomaly, generally have a predetermined life cycle (proliferation and subsequent involution). GLUT-1, a glucose transporter, is a marker for these specific lesions during all phases of development. Vascular malformations are classified according to their vascular tissue of origin and include capillary, venous, arteriovenous, lymphatic, and mixed malformations. Complex lymphatic malformations and complex mixed malformations, which may have most vascular components, are the most difficult vascular malformations to successfully treat. These lesions are present at birth and often expand or grow in response to trauma, infection, or hormonal changes. Imaging advancements have enabled more accurate assessments and improved management of vascular anomalies. In addition, many lesions are now being managed with targeted pharmacologic therapy. Propranolol and steroids are used for complex or disfiguring tumors, and new anti-angiogenesis inhibitors such as sirolimus are selectively used to treat lymphatic and venous lymphatic malformations that are poorly responsive to sclerotherapy, embolization, and surgical excision. Multimodal therapies are often essential for complex lesions and require the combined expertise of an interdisciplinary team.

Infantile fibrosarcoma-a clinical and histologic mimicker of vascular malformations: case report and review of the literature

Infantile fibrosarcoma is a rare soft tissue tumor that usually presents either at birth or in the 1st year of life. Here we describe a case of a 4-month-old female who presented with a congenital right axillary mass. The initial clinical impression was benign vascular/lymphatic malformation. The core biopsy showed a spindle cell lesion with abundant vasculature represented by small vascular channels. However, immunohistochemical analysis did not support a diagnosis of vascular lesion/tumor. Polymerase chain reaction study for ETS Translocation Variant 6/neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor, type 3 fusion transcript was positive, and the diagnosis of infantile fibrosarcoma was established. The patient underwent resection of the axillary mass. Microscopic examination of the resection specimen showed numerous vascular channels. Intermixed there were also cellular areas composed of spindle cells similar to those seen in the biopsy material. Molecular studies were repeated and confirmed the diagnosis of infantile fibrosarcoma. Infantile fibrosarcoma has been previously reported in the literature to clinically masquerade as hemangioma. In addition, this case proves that infantile fibrosarcoma could also mimic vascular malformations on clinical, radiologic, and pathologic exams. In fact, the vascular component of the tumor is very unusual in our patient and represents a histologic feature that has not been described before. The case highlights the diagnostic challenges at clinical, radiologic, and pathologic levels in some cases of infantile fibrosarcoma and raises awareness among clinicians and pathologists related to another peculiar pattern that can be encountered in this disease.

Clinical management of infantile fibrosarcoma: a retrospective single-institution review

BACKGROUND

Infantile fibrosarcoma (IFS) is an uncommon soft-tissue sarcoma. Here we review our experience treating this tumor.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed records of patients with IFS treated at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 1980 and 2009.

RESULTS

We identified 15 patients, 8 girls and 7 boys; 13 white and 2 black. Median age at diagnosis was 3 months. Primary sites included the leg (n = 3), chest wall (n = 2), foot (n = 2), and one each in the tongue, occipital region, axilla, parascapular region, arm, forearm, retroperitoneum, and thigh. All patients underwent resection; 11 upfront surgery, and 4 delayed. Complications included loss of the posterior tibial nerve and artery, axillary vein, biceps, pectoralis major, gallbladder, and transverse/sigmoid sinus. Eight received chemotherapy and three radiotherapy. Seven experienced local recurrence and three lung metastasis. Median follow-up was 65 months. At the time of the review, 12 patients were alive and 3 had died. All deaths were in patients older than 1 year at diagnosis with an axial primary site.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-mutilating surgery should be the primary treatment for IFS. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is indicated when upfront resection is unfeasible. Patients with positive surgical margins should receive adjuvant chemotherapy. Radiotherapy is indicated for axial primary sites where complete resection is impossible.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma masquerading as congenital hemangioma

Sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT) is a rare tumor, present in approximately one in 40,000 live births. A small proportion of SCT have malignant potential, so prompt recognition and surgical resection are necessary. We report two cases of SCT initially misdiagnosed as hemangiomas because of their cutaneous appearance and in particular vascular stains overlying soft tissue mass. These two cases emphasize that SCT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hemangiomas and in particular of congenital hemangiomas.

Neonatal soft tissue sarcomas

Soft tissue tumors in very young children pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Vascular tumors are the most prevalent soft tissue neoplasms in the neonatal period. They are generally benign tumors, but may exhibit aggressive behaviour and cause life-threatening complications. Fibroblastic tumors of intermediate prognosis, more prevalent in very young children (especially infantile fibrosarcoma), are locally aggressive. Since metastases are unusual in this group of tumors, complete surgical resection is generally curative. However, these tumors often present a therapeutic challenge because of the location which makes complete surgical resection difficult. Among the malignant soft tissue tumors, rhabdomyosarcoma is most frequent. It is an aggressive high-grade tumor, with local invasiveness and a propensity to metastasize. These tumors respond to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Neonates with rhabdomyosarcoma seem to have a worse prognosis than in older age groups. This may be a result of inappropriate dosing of chemotherapeutic agents and decreased use of radiation therapy among other factors.

Neonatal rhabdomyosarcoma misdiagnosed as a congenital hemangioma

Highly vascularized malignant soft-tissue tumors can clinically and radiologically mimic deep hemangiomas. We present a case of congenital rhabdomyosarcoma of the neck, which was initially identified as congenital hemangioma.