An institutional review of paediatric haemangiomas: prevalence, imaging features, and outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To review the demographic data, imaging features, and outcomes of paediatric haemangiomas.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
University teaching hospital, Hong Kong.


METHODS
A total of 58 children diagnosed with haemangioma between 1998 and 2007.


METHODS
Demographic data, imaging features, type of treatment received, and outcomes.


RESULTS
In all, 19 (33%) of these patients were males and 39 (67%) were females. Most of the lesions (64%) were in the head and neck region. Three (5%) of the patients were complicated by the Kasabach-Merritt syndrome; 21 underwent no imaging, and 37 had ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging. In the majority (85%), ultrasound of the lesions revealed mixed echogenicity and/or phleboliths with variable colour Doppler patterns. On magnetic resonance imaging, most (87%) of the lesions were T1 iso- to hypo-intense and T2 hyperintense with slight heterogeneous signalling and revealed presence of central flow voids (vascular channels) or low-signal areas (fibrous tissue or calcification). In all, 85% appeared homogeneous while 15% showed heterogeneous enhancement. Of 58 patients, 39 (67%) patients received conservative treatment; the lesions resolved spontaneously in 34 (87%) patients, enlarged in 2 (5%), and remained static in 3 (8%). Interventions were directed at the lesions in 19 patients. These entailed surgical excision (n=7), argon laser therapy (n=3), and medical treatment (n=9). Of the latter patients, treatment included: systemic steroids (n=5), interferon (n=1), steroids and interferon (n=1), vincristine (n=1), and sclerotherapy (n=1). Partial or complete resolution of the lesions ensued in 15 (79%) of the patients, while their size remained static in four (21%).


CONCLUSIONS
Though ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging features varied, the diagnosis of most haemangiomas could be confidently made by imaging. About 33% of haemangiomas underwent surgical/medical interventions, for which imaging was useful to monitor post-treatment progress.
Rasalkar
Darshana D
DD
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
Chu
Winnie C W
WC
Cheng
Frankie W T
FW
Lee
Vincent
V
Lee
K H
KH
Li
C K
CK
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006391:Hemangioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006723:Hong Kong; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods*