Cutaneous capillary hemangiomas of the eyelid, scalp, and digits in premature triplets.
OBJECTIVE
To document the unique occurrence of multiple cutaneous capillary hemangiomas in healthy triplets.


METHODS
Case reports.


RESULTS
Triplets born 6 weeks prematurely were noted at birth to have classic cutaneous capillary hemangiomas that enlarged in the first few months of life. At 3 months of age, triplet #1 manifested a small capillary hemangioma on the left index finger and a large hemangioma that involved the entire left upper eyelid and completely occluded the visual axis. Triplet #2 had a small hemangioma on the thumb and a large hemangioma on the scalp of the forehead. Triplet #3 displayed only a minor hemangioma of the right upper eyelid that did not threaten her vision. The parents of the triplets admitted having a history of periocular capillary hemangioma that spontaneously resolved. Triplet #1 was managed with oral corticosteroids, with dramatic regression of the mass and exposure of the visual axis.


CONCLUSIONS
Cutaneous capillary hemangioma is usually a sporadic condition. We found this tumor in premature triplets whose parents had a history of a similar tumor. This suggests that hereditary and environmental factors may play a role in the development of this tumor. We advise that medical and family histories be obtained in all children with cutaneous capillary hemangioma.
Shields
C L
CL
Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Shields
J A
JA
Minzter
R
R
Singh
A D
AD
D005143:Eyelids; D005260:Female; D005385:Fingers; D005865:Gestational Age; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018324:Hemangioma, Capillary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D012535:Scalp; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D014310:Triplets
D005938:Glucocorticoids