Computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction of main vessels in hemangiomas

This study aimed to investigate three-dimensional (3-D) morphological features of the main vessel architecture of human hemangioma. Serial sections of specimens from three cases of children hemangioma were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to visualize the vessels. Serial images were taken and processed with computer-assisted 3-D reconstruction. Partial 3-D structure reconstruction of vessel morphology in hemangioma revealed strange distribution and branching, which were different from normal vessels of the human skin. The 3-5 microvascular was most common in hemangioma. We observed respective characteristics of three cases: 1 case showed uniform artery vein distribution accompanied by running trend; 1 case showed main artery distribution and less vein distribution, and there were many blood sinus in the shallow surface close to the skin; another case showed vein distribution in the middle of antrum. In conclusion, digital vascular model of 3-D structure of main vessel hemangioma provides a new way for the diagnosis and treatment of hemangioma of children.