Haemangioma of the head and neck with subglottic involvement and atypical coarctation

Congenital cardiac, aortic arch, and vascular bed anomalies in PHACE syndrome (from the International PHACE Syndrome Registry)

PHACE syndrome represents the association of large infantile hemangiomas of the head and neck with brain, cerebrovascular, cardiac, ocular, and ventral or midline defects. Cardiac and cerebrovascular anomalies are the most common extracutaneous features of PHACE, and they also constitute the greatest source of potential morbidity. Congenital heart disease in PHACE is incompletely described, and this study was conducted to better characterize its features. This study of the International PHACE Syndrome Registry represents the largest central review of clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic data for cardiovascular anomalies in patients with PHACE to date. Sixty-two (41%) of 150 subjects had intracardiac, aortic arch, or brachiocephalic vessel anomalies. Aberrant origin of a subclavian artery was the most common cardiovascular anomaly (present in 31 (21%) of 150 subjects). Coarctation was the second most common anomaly, identified in 28 (19%) of 150 subjects, and can be missed clinically in patients with PHACE because of the frequent association of arch obstruction with aberrant subclavian origin. Twenty-three (37%) of 62 subjects with cardiovascular anomalies required procedural intervention. A greater percentage of hemangiomas were located on the left side of the head and neck in patients with coarctation (46% vs 39%); however, hemangioma distribution did not predict the presence of cardiovascular anomalies overall. In conclusion, PHACE is associated with a high risk of congenital heart disease. Cardiac and aortic arch imaging with detailed assessment of arch patency and brachiocephalic origins is essential for any patient suspected of having PHACE. Longitudinal investigation is needed to determine the long-term outcomes of cardiovascular anomalies in PHACE.

Consensus Statement on Diagnostic Criteria for PHACE Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

A subgroup of patients with infantile hemangiomas have associated structural anomalies of the brain, cerebral vasculature, eyes, sternum, and/or aorta in the neurocutaneous disorder known as PHACE syndrome. The diagnosis has been broadly inclusive by using a case definition of a facial hemangioma plus >or=1 extracutaneous features, leading to numerous reports of potential associated disease features, many of uncertain significance. This consensus statement was thus developed to establish diagnostic criteria for PHACE syndrome.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of specialists with expertise in PHACE syndrome drafted initial diagnostic criteria on the basis of review of published, peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical experience. The group then convened in both executive and general sessions during the PHACE Syndrome Research Conference held in November 2008 for discussion and used a consensus method. All conflicting recommendations were subsequently reconciled via electronic communication and teleconferencing.

RESULTS

These criteria were stratified into 2 categories: (1) PHACE syndrome or (2) possible PHACE syndrome. Major and minor criteria were determined for the following organ systems: cerebrovascular, structural brain, cardiovascular, ocular, and ventral/midline. Definite PHACE requires the presence of a characteristic segmental hemangioma or hemangioma >5 cm on the face or scalp plus 1 major criterion or 2 minor criteria. Possible PHACE requires the presence of a hemangioma >5 cm on the face or scalp plus 1 minor criterion. The group recognized that it may be possible to have PHACE syndrome with a hemangioma affecting the neck, chest, or arm only or no cutaneous hemangioma at all. In such cases, fulfillment of additional required criteria would also lead to a possible PHACE diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

These criteria represent current knowledge and are expected to enhance future assessments of PHACE syndrome. It is understood that modifications are to be expected over time to incorporate new research findings.

PHACES association: a vasculocutaneous syndrome

PHACES association is a spectrum of anomalies that might occur in infants with large facial hemangiomas. Most infants with PHACES association have segmental hemangiomas of the head or neck. Cardiac and cerebrovascular anomalies might be the most important association, as they carry a significant risk of complications. This article summarizes the dermatologic, cardiac, and cerebral vascular findings in a cohort of infants diagnosed with PHACES association. All had large segmental facial hemangiomas and aortic arch abnormalities. Four of the five were not suspected of having arch obstruction prior to imaging studies because of the aberrant origin of both subclavian arteries, and 4/5 required either interventional or surgical repair for arch obstruction. In contrast to classic aortic coarctation, the aortic anomalies found in the cohort had unusually complex and unpredictable anatomic involvement. Cerebral vascular anomalies were identified in 5/5, and 2/5 had neurologic complications secondary to abnormal cerebral vascular supply. It is important for care providers to recognize this association that presents with a cutaneous stigma, as it is associated with potentially lethal and often unrecognized vascular anomalies. Earlier recognition of the associated vascular pathologies might enable preemptive treatments before potentially devastating and irreversible sequelae.

Ipsilateral hemangioma and aortic arch anomalies in posterior fossa malformations, hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, coarctation of the aorta, and cardiac defects and eye abnormalities (PHACE) anomaly: report and review

Posterior fossa malformations, hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, coarctation of the aorta, and cardiac defects and eye abnormalities (PHACE) is a rare congenital anomaly with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations with a striking female predominance. We describe an infant with PHACE anomaly and aortic coarctation who underwent cardiac catheterization to clearly define the complex anatomy of the aortic lesion before surgical repair. Review of the literature documents a highly significant association between ipsilateral hemangiomas and cerebrovascular and aortic arch anomalies. We conclude that cardiac catheterization is required to define the complex anatomy of aortic lesions and should be performed in all patients with PHACE and evident aortic involvement to plan appropriate and safe surgical repair.