Eur J Pediatr Surg 2010; 20(6): 379-381
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1261938
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Multiple Hemangiomas and Hemangiomatosis – Risk Factors and Outcome over an Eight Year Period

C. J. Schupp1 , S. Holland-Cunz1 , J.-P. Schenk2 , H. Weisser3 , D. Grimm4 , P. Günther1
  • 1University Hospital Heidelberg, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Heidelberg, Germany
  • 2University of Heidelberg, Department of Pediatric Radiology, Heidelberg, Germany
  • 3University Hospital Heidelberg, Dermatology, Heidelberg, Germany
  • 4University Hospital Heidelberg, Pediatrics, Heidelberg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

received May 05, 2010

accepted after revision May 15, 2010

Publication Date:
27 July 2010 (online)

Abstract

Introduction: Hemangiomas are the most common tumors of infancy. Multiple cutaneous hemangiomas may be associated with the presence of hemangiomas in inner organs. However, there is little data on the risk factors for organ involvement and the outcome of a large sample of patients.

Patients and Methods: patients with 3 or more cutaneous hemangiomas were evaluated with regard to patient characteristics, distribution of hemangiomas, results of radiological abdominal/cerebral imaging, clinical course, and therapeutic approach. We analyzed the risk factors for organ involvement and complications/outcome.

Results: The average gestational week at birth was 32.8; radiological imaging showed liver hemangiomas in 13.5% and mesenteric lesions in 1 (1.9%) but no cerebral lesions. Preterm infants (p=0.02) and patients with high numbers of cutaneous hemangiomas (p=0.02) were at higher risk of organ involvement. A life-threatening event occurred in 1 patient (1.9%). None of the patients died.

Conclusions: Organ manifestation is relatively common in patients with multiple hemangiomas, complications are rare, but potentially life-threatening. We recommend abdominal imaging for patients with 3 or more hemangiomas, especially in preterm infants.

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Correspondence

Dr. Christine Johanna Schupp

University Hospital Heidelberg

Pediatric Surgery

Kleine Mantelgasse 5

69117 Heidelberg

Germany

Phone: +49 0176 2118 4370

Email: Christine.Schupp@med.uni-heidelberg.de