Successful interventional treatment of huge hepatic haemangioma in a neonate following failed medical approach.

An outborn male term neonate presented with a complaint of respiratory distress since birth on day 9 of life. On examination, baby was having tachypnoea, tachycardia and hepatomegaly. The baby was delivered at term gestation and cried immediately after birth. The chest X-ray showed cardiomegaly. The abdomen ultrasound showed a complex cystic vascular lesion suggestive of hepatic haemangioma. The echocardiography showed an atrial septal defect. The baby was initially treated conservatively along with specific treatment (steroids and propranolol) for haemangioma for 6 weeks. However, the symptoms persisted and there was non-resolution, therefore, particle embolisation of the right hepatic artery was performed. Subsequently, it resulted in complete resolution of the lesion.

Infantile Hemangiomas and Vascular Anomalies.

Vascular anomalies represent a diverse group of disorders of abnormal vascular development or proliferation. Vascular anomalies are classified as vascular tumors and vascular malformations. Significant advances have been made in the understanding of the pathogenesis, natural history, and genetics of vascular anomalies, allowing for improvements in management including targeted molecular therapies. Infantile hemangiomas are the most common vascular tumor of childhood and follow a distinct natural history of proliferation and involution. Although benign, infantile hemangiomas can be associated with important complications. The use of beta-blockers has revolutionized the management of infantile hemangiomas. Other vascular tumors include pyogenic granulomas, congenital hemangiomas, and kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas, among others. Vascular malformations are categorized based on the type of involved vessel, including capillary malformations, venous malformations, lymphatic malformations, arteriovenous malformations, and mixed vascular malformations. Expert multidisciplinary management of vascular anomalies is critical to optimize outcomes in these patients. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(4):e129-e137.].

Hepatic Hemangioma: Review of Imaging and Therapeutic Strategies.

Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common benign liver tumors. Typically, small- to medium-sized hemangiomas are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally through the widespread use of imaging techniques. Giant hemangiomas (>5 cm) have a higher risk of complications. A variety of imaging methods are used for diagnosis. Cavernous hemangioma is the most frequent type, but radiologists must be aware of other varieties. Conservative management is often adequate, but some cases necessitate targeted interventions. Although surgery was traditionally the main treatment, the evolution of minimally invasive procedures now often recommends transarterial chemoembolization as the treatment of choice.

Hemangioma of the Urinary Bladder: A Brief Narrative Review of Their Diagnosis, Histology, and Treatment Options.

BACKGROUND: Hemangioma of the urinary bladder is a rare benign tumor. Although benign, their presenting symptoms are alarming for both patients and doctors, and their rarity makes them challenging to correctly diagnosis and treat. This review paper summarizes current knowledge about hemangioma of the urinary bladder, treatment options, and follow-up modalities. SUMMARY: After the kidney, the bladder is the second most common location of hemangiomas in the urinary tract. There is painless gross hematuria on clinical presentation once the lesion has eroded the urothelium. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been reported to be valuable in diagnosing soft-tissue hemangiomas. Cystoscopic findings of a sessile, blue, multilocular mass suggest hemangioma. Most tumors are solitary, smaller than 3 cm, and have smooth or irregular surfaces. Histologically, lesions comprise numerous proliferative capillaries with thin-walled, dilated, blood-filled vessels lined with flattened endothelium. The treatment of patients with hemangioma has been controversial. It depends on the tumor size and the degree of penetration. The prognosis of these tumors is excellent. KEY MESSAGES: Despite the widespread use of MRI, CT, and endoscopy in evaluating hematuria, hemangioma remains one of the rarest bladder tumors. Moreover, only a histological examination can confirm the diagnosis. Transurethral resection, fulguration, and YAG laser ablation are standard treatments for small tumors. In terms of follow-up, cystoscopy after 6 months of treatment helps assess recurrence. In addition, MRI is a practical, noninvasive technique for follow-up of small hemangiomas.

Postnatal treatment and evolution patterns of giant fetal hepatic hemangioma: a case series of 29 patients.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the clinical characteristics, postnatal treatment and prognosis of giant fetal hepatic hemangioma (GFHH). METHOD: Retrospective analysis was performed on children with giant fetal hepatic hemangioma (maximum tumor diameter > 40 mm) diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound and MRI from December 2016 to December 2020. These patients were observed and treated at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University after birth. The clinical data were collected to analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of GFHH using independent sample t tests or Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients who were detected by routine ultrasound in the second and third trimester of pregnancy with giant fetal hepatic hemangiomas were included. The first prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of gestational age was 34.0 ± 4.3 weeks, ranging from 22 to 39 weeks. Of the patients, 28 had focal GFHHs and 1 had multifocal GFHHs. Surgery was performed, and the diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically in two patients. There were 8 cases with echocardiography-based evidence of pulmonary hypertension, 11 cases had a cardiothoracic ratio > 0.6, and 4 cases had hepatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The median follow-up time was 37 months (range: 14-70 months). During the follow-up, 12 patients received medical treatment with propranolol as the first-line therapy. The treatment group had a higher ratio of cardiothoracic ratio > 0.6 (P = 0.022) and lower albumin levels (P = 0.018). Four (14.8%) lesions showed postnatal growth before involuting. Complete response was observed in 13 (13/29) patients, and partial response was observed in 16 (16/29) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal giant hepatic hemangioma is mainly localized, and its clinical outcome conforms to RICH (rapidly involuting) and PICH (partially involuting), but some fetal giant hepatic hemangiomas will continue to grow after birth and then gradually decrease. For uncomplicated giant fetal hepatic hemangioma, postnatal follow-up is the main concern, while those with complications require aggressive medical treatment. Propranolol may have no effect on the volume change of GFHH.

Percutaneous microwave ablation versus sclerotherapy for large hepatic hemangioma: a multi-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) and percutaneous sclerotherapy (PS) for the treatment of large hepatic hemangioma (LHH). METHODS: This retrospective study included 96 patients who underwent MWA (n = 54) and PS (n = 42) as first-line treatment for LHH in three tertiary hospitals from January 2016 to December 2021. Primary outcomes were technique efficacy rate (volume reduction rate [VRR] > 50% at 12 months), symptom relief rate at 12 months and local tumor progression (LTP). Secondary outcomes included procedure time, major complications, treatment sessions, cost and one-, two-, three-year VRR. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 36 months, the MWA group showed a higher technique efficacy rate (100% vs. 90.4%, p = .018) and symptom relief rate (100% vs. 80%, p = .123) than the PS group. The MWA group had fewer treatment sessions, higher one-, two- and three-year VRR, lower LTP rate (all p < .05), longer procedure time and higher treatment costs than the PS group (both p < .001). MWA shared a comparable major complications rate (1.8% vs. 2.4%, p = .432) with PS. After multivariate analysis, the lesion's heterogeneity and maximum diameter >8.1 cm were independent risk factors for LTP (all p < .05). In the PS group, lesions with a cumulative dose of bleomycin > 0.115 mg/cm3 had a lower risk of LTP (p = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Both MWA and PS treatments for large hepatic hemangioma are safe and effective, with MWA being superior in terms of efficacy.

Recent updates in laryngeal hemangioma management: a scoping review.

PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive review of the current strategies in the management of laryngeal hemangiomas, with an aim to introduce a management algorithm that aligns with the variable clinical presentations and anatomical complexities of these lesions. METHODS: We conducted an extensive literature search across major databases using specific and general terms, combined with Boolean operators, to ensure comprehensiveness. Articles from January 2004 to August 2023 were included, with findings categorized by management approach. RESULTS: Laryngeal hemangiomas exhibit a spectrum of manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic lesions to those causing severe airway obstruction. Optimal management demands an individualized approach tailored to the patient's unique presentation and anatomical considerations. Diverse treatment modalities, each with distinct indications, advantages, and limitations, are explored. Notable highlights encompass the prominent role of Beta-blockers, notably Propranolol, in addressing problematic infantile hemangiomas, the nuanced efficacy of laser therapies contingent upon hemangioma type and depth, and the critical relevance of tracheotomy in emergencies. Novel approaches like transoral robotic surgery and transoral ultrasonic surgery, demonstrate promise in specific scenarios. We propose a management algorithm based on the complexity and presentation of laryngeal hemangiomas, emphasizing individualized treatment strategies, thereby addressing the unique challenges and nuances of each case. CONCLUSION: Laryngeal hemangioma management requires personalized approaches informed by diverse therapies, clinical expertise, and collaboration. The review introduces an algorithm spanning observation to advanced interventions, adapting to each case's complexity. Ongoing research promises innovative treatments.

[Advances in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas of the larynx].

Infantile hemangiomas are relatively common soft tissue tumors in infants and young children, with a prevalence of about 4.5% in full-term newborns. Subglottic Hemangioma （SGH） is a relatively rare type of hemangioma, and its special location often causes respiratory distress and potentially life-threatening conditions in infants. Therefore, it is necessary for clinicians to make an accurate diagnosis and formulate a detailed treatment plan based on the clinical manifestations, the auxiliary examinations, the medical history and the vital signs evaluation of patients.This review describes the pathophysiological mechanism of infantile hemangioma and provides a detailed discussion on commonly used treatment methods in detail.

A 16-year retrospective study of vascular anomalies in the head and neck region.

Depending on the diagnostic modality, the classification of vascular anomalies varies and so does the nomenclature. The 'International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies' (ISSVA) is the most widely accepted classification in the literature and is mainly based on the radiologic and clinical presentation. The aim of this article is to review the clinical practice of diagnosis and treatment of vascular anomalies in the head and neck region in a university hospital, with special focus on the nomenclature. All patients with a vascular anomaly presenting to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery were reviewed in a retrospective manner. Nomenclature, diagnostic process, lesion characteristics, treatment and outcome were examined. The lesions were (re)classified according to the ISSVA classification. A total of 185 patients were identified, of which 12.4% (n = 23) had a congenital anomaly. After reclassification, the most common lesions were venous malformations (n = 47, 25.4%), followed by lobular capillary hemangiomas (n = 17, 9.2%). A group of 39 anomalies could not be further specified. One hundred and one patients (54,6%) received treatment, of which 93 were treated surgically (92,1% of treated patients). Endovascular treatment was considered in 41 patients but applied in only eight. This strict selection led to a low a complication rate. We provide an overview of the clinical practice in the management of vascular anomalies in a university hospital. The histology report is a source of miscommunication because clinicians use the ISSVA classification, while pathologists use the WHO classification. Every professional involved should be aware of the differences in classification and nomenclature.

Intramuscular capillary-type hemangioma: Diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. A French multicentric retrospective study of 66 cases.

PURPOSE: Intramuscular capillary-type hemangiomas (ICTHs) are rare entities, belonging to the group of intramuscular "hemangiomas." The diagnosis remains challenging. We aimed to assess the diagnostic criteria, treatments and outcomes of ICTHs. METHODS: This retrospective study collected all cases of ICTH followed up in 9 French hospital centers, reviewed by an adjudication expert group. RESULTS: Among 133 patients screened, 66 with ICTH were included. The median age of patients at diagnosis was 28.0 years, interquartile range (21.0---36.0). The lesion, mainly presenting as a gradually increasing mass (83.9%), was painless (88.9%) and was located in the head and neck (42.4%). MRI (available in all cases) mainly revealed a well-delineated lesion, isointense to the muscle on T1-weighted images, with enhancement after contrast injection; hyperintense on T2-weighted images; and containing flow voids. Among the 66 cases, 59 exhibited typical ICTH features and 7 shared some imaging features with arteriovenous malformations. These latter were larger than typical ICTHs and more painful and appeared on imaging as less well delimited and more heterogeneous tissue masses, with larger tortuous afferent arteries, earlier draining vein opacification and mild arteriovenous shunting. We propose to name these lesions arteriovenous malformation (AVM)-like ICTH. Pathological reports were similar in typical and AVM-like ICTH, showing capillary proliferation with mainly small-size vessels, negative for GLUT-1 and positive for ERG, AML, CD31 and CD34, with low Ki67 proliferation index (<10%), and adipose tissue. The most frequent treatment for ICTH was complete surgical resection (17/47, 36.2%), preceded in some cases by embolization, which led to complete remission. CONCLUSIONS: ICTH can be diagnosed on MRI when it is typical. Biopsy or angiography are required for atypical forms.

Foam Sclerotherapy in the Treatment of Hemangiomas and Venous Malformations.

BACKGROUND: Sclerotherapy has achieved great success in treating most venous malformation (VM) lesions. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of foam sclerotherapy on infantile hemangioma and pyogenic granuloma (PG). In addition, we analyzed the data and outcomes of foam sclerotherapy for the VM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with hemangiomas and 83 patients with VMs were treated, and clinical outcomes, resolution, and complication rates were compared. Sclerotherapy data from the VM group were also analyzed. RESULTS: The average age of the patients and the distribution and tissue involvement of lesions among the 3 groups were significantly different ( p < .001). The average amount of sclerosing foam administered per session in VMs was significantly higher than that in the other 2 groups ( p < .0001) (whereas that in the PG group was lower than that in the infantile hemangioma group [ p < .0001]). However, the overall therapeutic efficacy and side effects in the 3 groups were not significantly different. For VMs, the frequency of ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy and use of 3% polidocanol increased from superficial to deep lesions, whereas the use of 1% POL decreased ( p < .0001). CONCLUSION: Infantile hemangioma and PG treatments presented good results and minor adverse reactions comparable with those of VMs.

Infantile Hemangiomas: A Review of Current Treatment Options.

This literature review outlines the current pathogenesis, clinical features, and complications of infantile hemangiomas and explores the current treatment modalities, including corticosteroids, surgery, pulsed dye laser, and beta-blockers. Although oftentimes benign, these lesions can potentially lead to physical or cosmetic disfigurement in growing children. The issue of depth and location-dependent treatment for infantile hemangiomas is explored as it reveals which treatments are correlated with better outcomes in specific presentations. For example, beta-blockers were found to be an effective first-line treatment for superficial infantile hemangiomas specifically, whereas the pulsed dye laser procedure was shown to be an effective option for deep hemangiomas, speeding up the involution process when combined with other treatment modalities and reducing scarring in ulcerated hemangiomas. Although the various infantile hemangioma treatment modalities available are appropriately tailored to specific cases of hemangiomas, they are also not without significant, sometimes life-threatening complications. This is why this literature review aims to outline the therapeutic benefits and risks of all treatment modalities to aid in the establishment of optimal case-dependent treatments. [Pediatr Ann. 2023;52(5):192-197.].

A case of large airway and orbital hemangiomas with facial capillary malformation.

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common pediatric vascular tumors, although their genetic etiology is largely unknown. Congenital capillary malformations (CMs) are associated with known somatic pathogenic variants, including GNAQ, GNA11, PIK3CA, and PIK3R1. Co-occurrence of a facial CM such as port wine stain and IH is not associated with any recognized vascular anomaly syndromes and rarely reported in the literature. We describe a case of a 5-week-old female patient with a large facial CM and extensive IHs of the lower lip, airway, and orbit who presented with airway compromise and responded to propranolol therapy.

Infantile hemangioma models: is the needle in a haystack?

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most prevalent benign vascular tumor in infants, with distinct disease stages and durations. Despite the fact that the majority of IHs can regress spontaneously, a small percentage can cause disfigurement or even be fatal. The mechanisms underlying the development of IH have not been fully elucidated. Establishing stable and reliable IH models provides a standardized experimental platform for elucidating its pathogenesis, thereby facilitating the development of new drugs and the identification of effective treatments. Common IH models include the cell suspension implantation model, the viral gene transfer model, the tissue block transplantation model, and the most recent three-dimensional (3D) microtumor model. This article summarizes the research progress and clinical utility of various IH models, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each. Researchers should select distinct IH models based on their individual research objectives to achieve their anticipated experimental objectives, thereby increasing the clinical relevance of their findings.

Actualización en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del hemangioma coroideo / Update on the diagnosis and treatment of choroidal hemangioma

El hemangioma coroideo es un tumor vascular benigno dependiente de la circulación coroidea. Se distinguen 2tipos de lesiones: circunscrita, variante más frecuente, y difusa, asociada normalmente al síndrome de Sturge-Weber. El hemangioma coroideo circunscrito se presenta como una masa anaranjada que puede aparecer de manera asintomática, sin embargo, cuando produce síntomas, lo más frecuente es la disminución de la agudeza visual debido a un desprendimiento de retina neurosensorial. Debido a su carácter benigno solo deberían ser subsidiarios de tratamiento aquellos que produzcan síntomas. El conocimiento de esta enfermedad y su correcto diagnóstico diferencial es muy relevante para establecer el diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuado y evitar tratamientos innecesarios. En la actualidad existe una gran variedad de pruebas de imagen de diagnóstico multimodal que nos permiten identificar y realizar un seguimiento adecuado de este tumor. Además, en los últimos años, gracias al empleo de la terapia fotodinámica, se ha producido un cambio en el paradigma del tratamiento de estas lesiones, lo cual ha supuesto una mejora significativa en el pronóstico visual de estos pacientes. Esto se ha debido al empleo de la terapia fotodinámica, como tratamiento de elección para el hemangioma coroideo circunscrito (AU)

Choroidal hemangiomais a benign vascular tumor dependent on the choroid. Two types of lesions are distinguished: circumscribed, the most frequent variant, and diffuse, normally associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome. The circumscribed choroidal hemangioma appears as an orange mass that can present asymptomatically, however, when it produces symptoms, the most frequent is decreased visual acuity due to neurosensory retinal detachment. Due to its benign nature, only those that produce symptoms should be eligible for treatment. Knowledge of this pathology and its correct differential diagnosis is very relevant to establish the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, avoiding unnecessary treatments. There is currently a wide variety of multimodal diagnostic imaging tests that allow us to identify and adequately monitor this tumor. In addition, in recent years, there has been a change in the paradigm of the treatment of these tumors thanks to the use of photodinamic therapy, which has led to a significant improvement in the visual prognosis of these patients. This has been due to the use of photodynamic therapy as the treatment of choice for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma (AU)

Infantile Hemangioma: A Common Lesion in a Vulnerable Population.

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is important to all dentists, particularly dentists providing services to pediatric populations, because significant morbidity and mortality can occur from vascular lesions in children. Specialists of the oral cavity have the responsibility to identify patients with IH, a lesion that could be potentially life threatening. We present a case of IH and will provide a narrative review of the most recent literature. We discuss the diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment, complications, and impact on routine dental procedures. A proper diagnosis is crucial as oral and perioral IH are considered high-risk due to the increased risk of ulceration and feeding impairment. Referral to a hemangioma specialist for comprehensive team treatment is optimal. The natural history of IH consists of a long proliferative phase, which manifests as clinically visible growth. As a result of early encounters with patients, the pediatric dentist may often be considered the primary care provider.

Congenital and Infantile Hemangiomas: Epidemiological, Clinical, and Treatment Characteristics Based on 3 Years' Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital - A Retrospective Case Comparison and Review of the Literature. / Características clínico-epidemiológicas y consideraciones terapéuticas de los hemangiomas congénitos e infantiles de un hospital de tercer nivel durante un periodo de 3 años: estudio comparativo y revisión de la literatura.

Distinguishing between congenital and infantile hemangiomas is challenging, but essential for appropriate treatment. The immunohistochemical marker glucose transporter type 1 is helpful, but biopsies are uncommon in this setting. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe and compare epidemiological, clinical, and treatment characteristics of congenital and infantile hemangiomas diagnosed at a tertiary care hospital over 3 years. We studied 107 hemangiomas: 34 congenital hemangiomas (rapidly involuting, partially involuting, and noninvoluting), 70 infantile hemangiomas, and 3 hemangiomas pending classification. Superficial infantile hemangiomas of the head and neck were the most prevalent tumors. Congenital hemangiomas were most often located on the trunk. Studied risk factors were more common in patients with infantile hemangiomas. In this group of patients, treatment response was independent of sex, in vitro fertilization, lesion depth and location, and type of treatment.

Update on the diagnosis and treatment of choroidal hemangioma.

Choroidal hemangioma (CH) is a benign vascular tumor dependent on the choroid. Two types of lesions are distinguished: circumscribed (CCH), the most frequent variant, and diffuse (DCH), normally associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome. HCC appears as an orange mass that can present asymptomatically, however, when it produces symptoms, the most frequent is decreased visual acuity due to neurosensory retinal detachment. Due to its benign nature, only those that produce symptoms should be eligible for treatment. Knowledge of this pathology and its correct differential diagnosis is very relevant to establish the appropriate diagnosis and treatment, avoiding unnecessary treatments. There is currently a wide variety of multimodal diagnostic imaging tests that allow us to identify and adequately monitor this tumor. In addition, in recent years, there has been a change in the paradigm of the treatment of these tumors thanks to the use of photodinamic therapy, which has led to a significant improvement in the visual prognosis of these patients. This has been due to the use of photodynamic therapy as the treatment of choice for HCC.