An ultrasound based classification of periocular haemangiomas

Hemangiomas and the eye

Infantile hemangiomas are a common vascular birthmark with heterogeneous presentations and unique growth characteristics with early rapid growth and eventual self-involution. Hemangiomas that develop around the eye have the potential for inducing amblyopia by several mechanisms and may eventually result in permanent visual impairment in otherwise healthy infants. Segmental periocular hemangiomas carry the additional risk of associated structural anomalies and PHACE syndrome. In recent years, the treatment of periocular hemangiomas has been revolutionized by the serendipitous discovery of the effectiveness of beta-blockers (systemic and topical), with most experts viewing these as first-line therapies. The management of periocular hemangiomas should involve a close partnership between an ophthalmologist and dermatologist or other relevant specialists familiar with the unique clinical features, differential diagnosis, treatment approaches, and potential complications.

Surgical Treatment of Periocular Hemangiomas: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

At Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, patients with periocular hemangiomas are assessed in a multidisciplinary team setting using a protocol developed in 1999. As part of this protocol, surgery is indicated for lesions that continue to cause amblyopia despite treatment with systemic or intralesional steroids or both. Surgery is performed by one of the authors (D.D.). This experience is described.

METHODS

A retrospective notes review was undertaken of surgically excised periocular hemangiomas.

RESULTS

Eighteen consecutive cases (15 girls and three boys) were identified as having surgical treatment over a 5-year period. The mean age at the time of surgery was 22 months (range, 5 months to 3 years). All but one of the patients had amblyopia or a threat to normal visual development. The follow-up ranged from 1 month to 4 years. Three were lower lid lesions and 15 were upper lid lesions. When there was a threat to normal visual development, preoperative imaging by ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or contrast computed tomography was performed. No rebound growth or deterioration in visual development occurred in this group of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

There is limited experience in the literature of excisional surgery for the treatment of periocular hemangiomas. The authors present a series of 18 patients who have been treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children after either failed medical therapies or after patient request. With the appropriate indications and surgical principles, periocular hemangiomas in children can be safely and effectively excised.

The value of visual evoked potentials in the evaluation of periorbital hemangiomas

PURPOSE

To present a case of a child with an extensive facial hemangioma in whom the suspicion of intracranial involvement was raised by visual evoked potential (VEP) evaluation.

DESIGN

Observational case report.

METHODS

VEP analysis was performed using flash and pattern stimuli to determine whether treatment intervention other than occlusion therapy was needed.

RESULTS

VEP analysis indicated a marked transoccipital asymmetry in the flash and pattern VEP suggestive of right hemispheric dysfunction. Neuroimaging showed intracranial extension of the hemangioma.

CONCLUSION

The VEP evaluation is a noninvasive technique performed in the awake child. This case highlights the usefulness of VEP analysis in the management of extensive periocular capillary hemangiomas and its use as a modality to identify potential intracranial involvement. Large plaquelike facial capillary hemangiomas may have possible underlying dural involvement suggestive of PHACES syndrome.