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Published on: January 17, 2011
[Cranio-facial-cervical and subglottic hemangioma with respiratory symptoms. A therapeutic emergency]
J C Moreno Alfonso1, A Y Molina Caballero, A Pérez Martínez
1Cirugía Pediátrica. Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra. Pamplona. España.. jc.moreno.alfonso@navarra.es.
Insights
Infantile hemangiomas can cause life-threatening airway issues. Prompt propranolol treatment in infants rapidly resolved respiratory symptoms, highlighting the urgency of early intervention for symptomatic hemangiomas.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Dermatology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Infantile hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors, primarily cutaneous.
- A small percentage (1-2%) of infantile hemangiomas involve airway structures.
- Airway hemangiomas can lead to severe, life-threatening respiratory compromise.
Abstract:
We describe the case of a 41-day-old infant with a left craniofacial cervical and subglottic hemangioma with respira-tory symptoms. Although infantile hemangiomas are occasional benign vascular tumors that appear predominantly on the skin, 1-2% of patients may have airway lesions that can sometimes cause potentially life-threatening respiratory condi-tions. The decision was made to immediately commence treatment with propranolol, without waiting to complete the exten-sion and syndromic diagnoses. There was a positive clinical response and respiratory symptoms dissipated in twelve hours. Early treatment with beta-blockers is essential for children with hemangiomas whose location causes symptoms or significant functional changes: in some cases it may be a matter of urgency.
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