Giant cranial and cerebellar hemangioma treated with propranolol

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common benign tumors in children. However, cranial involvement of such lesions is rare. Current treatment options for hemangiomas in various locations that would be endangering or disfiguring include follow-up, surgical removal, or administration of corticosteroids, interferon-α, thalidomide, vincristine, propranolol, and laser therapy.

We describe an infant who presented with an extensive cranial hemangioma (proven by a biopsy). The child was treated with propranolol.

Clinical and radiological follow-up for over a year showed significant reduction in tumor size without adverse clinical symptoms.

Propranolol is a valid treatment for large cranial hemangiomas, avoiding the risks involved in surgeries.