Unveiling Infantile Hemangiomas: A Comprehensive Study of Patterns, Presentations, and Complications

Infantile hemangioma is the most common vascular tumor in infants, affecting 4% to 10% of this population. It typically appears as a solitary cutaneous hemangioma but can also be multifocal or segmental. The condition progresses through rapid growth, a plateau phase, and gradual involution. Key risk factors include low birth weight, prematurity, female sex, multiple gestations, and family history. Clinical presentation varies among individuals.

This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with infantile hemangioma at our hospital, focusing on age at onset, presentation, location, size, type, and complications.

A retrospective analysis of medical records of infants diagnosed with infantile hemangioma was conducted. Data were collected for statistical analysis on demographics, lesion characteristics, and complications.

The study reviewed 694 hemangiomas in 500 patients, with 50% having a precursor lesion at birth. A significant female predominance (72%) was noted, with most patients (72%) delivered at term. The strawberry mass was the most common morphology (74%), primarily located in the head and neck (42%). Of the hemangiomas, 45% were superficial, and 88% showed progressive growth. Ten patients with periocular hemangiomas experienced amblyopia, while other complications included PHACES syndrome, ipsilateral breast hypertrophy, and arteriovenous malformations.

This study highlights the diverse manifestations, anomalies, and risk factors associated with infantile hemangioma in a tertiary care setting.