Propranolol as first-line treatment in orbital infantile haemangiomas: a case series

Isolated deep orbital hemangioma treated successfully with oral propranolol in a 2-month-old infant: Case report with literature review

Purpose

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign vascular tumors of infancy. Ocular complications due to orbital IH include strabismal, deprivational, or anisometropic astigmatism, and visual loss secondary to amblyopia.

Observations

We report a case of a two-month-old female infant with a severe deep orbital IH. The diagnosis was established by clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The patient was treated with oral propranolol for six months. Complete tumor regression was observed clinically and by MRI following the treatment. The patient showed no adverse effects or tumor recurrence at the 14-month follow-up.

Conclusions and Importance

Despite its benign nature, periorbital IH requires a rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment to prevent vision loss, particularly in infants. Our case confirms that oral propranolol may be regarded as a safe drug for periorbital IH with an excellent outcome.

Secondary Congenital Glaucoma Associated With Retro-orbital Infantile Hemangioma: A Masquerade Syndrome

PURPOSE

The main purpose of this study was to describe a unique case of retro-orbital infantile hemangioma (IH) simulating a congenital glaucoma requiring prompt management with systemic propranolol.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a case report.

RESULTS

A 2-month-old white female was referred to our department of ophthalmology for progressive, unilateral protrusion of the left eye associated with epiphora. Clinical examination was suggestive of congenital glaucoma, as evidenced by high intraocular pressure, optic disc cup, increased corneal diameter, and axial length. The left eye proptosis was measured at 4 mm with the Hertel exophthalmometer. Cycloplegic refraction discloses high degree of astigmatism in the left eye. A cerebral and orbital magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intraconal vascular mass evocative of orbital IH.Oral propranolol was initiated and resulted in a rapid radiologic reduction of the IH. Concomitantly, the notable finding was the reversal of congenital glaucoma parameters without the need of surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first observation of a secondary congenital glaucoma reversal with oral propranolol used for orbital IH management.

Effect of oral propranolol on periocular Capillary Hemangiomas of Infancy

BACKGROUND

To assess the safety and efficacy of oral propranolol in the management of periocular Capillary Hemangiomas of Infancy (CHI).

METHODS

Medical records of 21 infants diagnosed with periocular capillary hemangioma during a period of 5 years from 2009 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. The data collected included demographic details, clinical features and details of imaging studies and response to the therapy. All patients received oral propranolol under the supervision of a pediatrician. The initial dose was 0.2-1 mg/kg body weight, which was increased to 2 mg/kg body weight (3 divided doses) in 48 h if there was no adverse reaction to the initial dose. The response to the treatment was assessed clinically as well as by radiographic imaging. Photographic documentation was done periodically.

RESULTS

Out of 21 patients, 18 were females and remaining three were males. The median age at the time of presentation was 4 months. The most common presenting feature was lid mass (n = 17, 80%) followed by proptosis (n = 7, 33%). Reddish discoloration of face was seen in 2 (1%) patients. All patients showed reduction in the size of the lesion. None of the patients included in this study had any adverse reaction to propranolol or recurrence following cessation of the therapy.

CONCLUSION

Oral propranolol is highly effective and safe in the treatment of periocular capillary hemangiomas in infants.

Orbital infantile haemangioma: radiological features and treatment - case series and literature review

AIM

The aim of this study is to report a retrospective case series on orbital infantile haemangiomas (OIH). Radiological features and treatment with oral propranolol (OP) are illustrated along with an updated literature review.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of six children, diagnosed with OIH from November 2015 to October 2016, was carried out. Only children with deep documented orbital involvement were included. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) under general anaesthesia. OP was administered to the infants according to the Nottingham Children's Hospital guideline. As per the guideline, a preliminary paediatric assessment was performed and a 1 mg/kg test dose was administered, followed by definitive treatment at a dosage of 2 mg/kg in three divided doses.

RESULTS

Average age at presentation was within the first 3 weeks of life. T1 hypointensity, T2 hyperintensity, avid enhancement with contrast, and the presence of flow-voids appear a fixed pattern of OIH on MRI. Response to treatment was noticed within 4 weeks in all children, and two of them (33.3%) responded within the first 7 days. In two children (33.3%), the haemangioma became clinically undetectable by the seventh month of treatment, while the other four (66.6%) experienced an almost complete regression of the OIH by the last follow-up. No complications were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Our series strengthens the understanding that MRI is the preferred imaging modality in the investigation of OIH, showing vascular features, detailed orbital extension, and possible associated malformations. OP is the treatment of choice for OIH, and our study confirms its safety and effectiveness.

Recent Advances in Orbital Tumors--A Review of Publications from 2014-2016

The aim of this review article is to provide an update of the current literature on orbital tumors. The authors conducted a PubMed literature search of English language articles published between January 2014 and December 2016 using the following search items: orbit, tumors, lacrimal gland, lymphoma, hemangioma, lymphangioma. The authors included reviews, original articles, case series, and case reports with relevant new information. There is new information about the clinical spectrum of orbital tumors, capillary hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, lymphangioma, orbital venous malformation, lacrimal gland tumors, and orbital lymphoma. This review highlights the current understanding, practice, and guidelines in the diagnosis and management of common tumors of the orbit.

Beta Blockers in the Treatment of Periocular Infantile Hemangiomas: A Review

Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are the most common benign tumor of infancy, and in the periocular region can be associated with permanent visual impairment from amblyopia. Previous treatment options included systemic and local corticosteroids, surgical excision, laser therapy, and in rare cases immunomodulatory therapy, many of which had variable outcomes with undesirable side effect profiles. Since their initial use for IH in 2008, beta blockers have become the mainstay of therapy for periocular IH due to their excellent clinical efficacy and tolerability. While the exact mechanism of action of beta blockers in IH has not been fully elucidated, both oral and topical therapy have demonstrated low rates of adverse events and improved outcomes in the management of periocular IH. This review summarizes the most recent studies on the clinical outcomes, management, and guidelines for the treatment of periocular IH with topical and oral beta blockers.