Different Clinical Features of Acral Abortive Hemangiomas

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pediatric Pathology
• Vascular Anomalies

Background:

• Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are common benign vascular tumors in infants.
• Some IHs, termed abortive hemangiomas, present at birth with minimal proliferation (<25%).
• These lesions are often misdiagnosed as vascular malformations.

Observation:

• This study details five pediatric cases of abortive hemangiomas on acral extremities diagnosed between 2010-2015.
• Lesions presented as congenital, non-proliferative precursors to IHs.
• Typical appearance included reticulated erythematous patches with superficial telangiectasias.

Findings:

• Immunohistochemical Glut-1 staining confirmed the diagnosis of abortive hemangioma in all cases.
• One patient exhibited a segmental lesion with dual morphology: a proliferating hemangioma proximally and a stable reticulated telangiectasia distally.
• A predilection for the lower body and dorsal regions was noted, with no ventral involvement.

Implications:

• Accurate diagnosis of abortive hemangiomas is crucial to differentiate them from vascular malformations.
• Glut-1 staining is a valuable tool for confirming abortive hemangioma.
• Understanding the morphology and distribution aids in clinical management and prognosis of these rare infantile hemangioma variants.