Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
Echographic evidence of regression of a periocular infantile capillary hemangioma treated with systemic propranolol
Sara Tullis Wester1, Thomas E Johnson
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33136, USA. Swester2@med.miami.edu
Insights
Systemic propranolol effectively reduces periocular capillary hemangioma size. Echography quantifies this regression, showing significant tumor shrinkage during treatment with no adverse effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Periocular capillary hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors in infants.
- Treatment options have historically been limited, with surgery and corticosteroids being common.
- Systemic propranolol is an emerging off-label treatment for infantile hemangiomas.
Observation:
- A 7-week-old infant presented with a right periocular capillary hemangioma.
- The patient was treated with off-label systemic propranolol.
- Quantitative B-scan and A-scan echography were used to monitor lesion size.
Findings:
- The periocular capillary hemangioma measured 22.3 mm at presentation.
- After 2.5 weeks of propranolol treatment, the size decreased to 20.0 mm.
- By 6.5 weeks of treatment, the hemangioma had regressed to 16.0 mm.
- No adverse side effects were reported during the treatment period.
Implications:
- Systemic propranolol demonstrates efficacy in reducing periocular capillary hemangioma size.
- Echography provides a reliable method for quantitative assessment of treatment response.
- This suggests propranolol as a viable therapeutic option for periocular hemangiomas, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
This article documents quantitative changes in the size of a periocular capillary hemangioma using sequential echographic testing in a patient receiving off-label treatment with systemic propranolol therapy. The patient presented at 7 weeks old with a right periocular capillary hemangioma. Systemic propranolol therapy was elected. Diagnostic B-scan and quantitative A-scan echography documented the lesion size at presentation as 22.3 mm in greatest dimension. The tumor decreased in size to 20.0 mm after 2½ weeks of treatment and 16.0 mm after 6½ weeks of treatment. No adverse side effects have been noted. Echography is an excellent modality for documenting the regression of periocular capillary hemangiomas during treatment with systemic propranolol.