Dramatic response of propranolol in hemangioma: report of two cases

Hemangiomas are indolent birthmarks of vascular origin, which are known to appear soon after birth, proliferate for 8-18 months, and then slowly regress over the next 5-8 years, leaving behind normal or slightly blemished skin. In rare instances, hemangiomas may encroach upon and endanger vital structures with a mortality of up to 60%. Multiple therapeutic modalities are available for hemangiomas with variable results and associated with side effects. We report two cases of hemangioma, successfully treated with propranolol. Case 1 was a 5-month-old female child who presented with a giant segmental hemangioma since birth. She was unable to open her left eye over the past 7 days. Within 48 hours of administering full dose of oral propranolol (2 mg/kg/day), the lesion decreased considerably, and the patient was able to open her eye. Case 2 was a 1-year-old female child who presented with hemangioma over the danger area of face. Oral propranolol was given for a period of 6 months with monthly follow up. Both the cases showed dramatic response, with more than 80% regression, without any relapse after stopping the treatment.