Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma with Bone Destruction: A 16-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study of the Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, locally aggressive vascular tumor that often occurs in infants and young children. The goal of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of KHE patients with bone destruction and provide clinical guidance for diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive cohort study with follow-up from January 2007 to January 2023 to collect demographic information and tumor-related clinical information from KHE patients with bone destruction.

RESULTS

A total of 269 KHE patients were included in the study, of whom 70 (26.0%) patients had tumors with bone destruction. The median age at diagnosis of patients with bone destruction was 19.0 months, which was much later than that of patients without bone destruction (P < 0.001). Patients with bone destruction were more likely to have a decreased range of motion (ROM) (P < 0.001). Metaphysis involvement was more likely to occur in the lower limb bones (P = 0.039), and the lower limb bones were more likely to be associated with decreased ROM (P = 0.001). Tumors involving extracompartmental bone were more likely to have decreased ROM (P = 0.003) and exhibit the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the rarity and significant heterogeneity of KHE patients with bone destruction, we should give full play to the role of multidisciplinary teams in addressing disease to reduce the long-term complications of KHE with bone destruction and improve the quality of life of patients.

TYPE OF STUDY

Prognostic Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

Efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with sirolimus for treating Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon in infants, a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study aimed to observe the efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with sirolimus in the treatment of haemangioma combined with the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP).

METHODS

A total of 11 infants with KMP who were treated at our hospital from January 2016 to September 2021 were selected and treated with arteriosclerosis embolotherapy using a microsphere emulsion formed by bleomycin + ultra-fluid lipiodol + dexamethasone + contrast agent or bleomycin mixed microspheres as the embolising agent. The patients were administered sirolimus orally after TACE. The clinical efficacy and examination indicators before and after treatment were observed and compared.

RESULTS

The 11 infants underwent TACE treatment by arteriosclerosis embolotherapy a total of 21 times; of these cases, 10 were cured, and 1 showed a moderate response. There were no cases of non-response or death. The platelet count rose from 10.0 (7.0, 18.0) x 10⁹/L before TACE to 236.0 (188.0, 275.0) x 10⁹/L six months after the first TACE, and the tumour size decreased from 49.0 (43.0, 111.7) cm³ before TACE to 7.0 (3.5, 17.0) cm³ six months after the first TACE. The differences were statistically significant (the Z values were -2.943 and -2.934, respectively, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of TACE and sirolimus has significant efficacy on critical children with KMP.

Impact of age and tumor size on the development of the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon in patients with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: a retrospective cohort study

Introduction

The Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a severe complication of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE). The risk factors for KMP need further investigation.

Methods

The medical records of patients with KHE were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used for the risk factors for KMP, and the area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive power of risk factors.

Results

A total of 338 patients with KHE were enrolled. The incidence of KMP was 45.9%. Age of onset (P < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] 0.939; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.914-0.966), lesion size (P < 0.001, OR 1.944; 95% CI 1.646-2.296), mixed type (P = 0.030, OR 2.428; 95% CI 1.092-5.397), deep type (P = 0.010, OR 4.006; 95% CI 1.389-11.556), and mediastinal or retroperitoneal lesion location (P = 0.019, OR 11.864; 95% CI 1.497-94.003) were correlated with KMP occurrence through multivariate logistic regression. ROC curve analysis revealed that the optimal cutoffs were 4.75 months for the age of onset (P < 0.001, OR 7.206, 95% CI 4.073-12.749) and a lesion diameter of 5.35 cm (P < 0.001, OR 11.817, 95% CI 7.084-19.714). Bounded by a lesion size of 5.35 cm, we found significant differences in tumor morphology, age of onset, treatments, and hematological parameters. Using an onset age of 4.75 months as a cutoff, we found significant differences in tumor morphology, lesion size, hematological parameters, and prognosis.

Conclusion

For KHE patients with an onset age <4.75 months and/or lesion diameter >5.35 cm, clinicians should be wary of the occurrence of KMP. Active management is recommended to improve the prognosis.

Clinical and imaging features of Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma in infants

Objective

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a locally aggressive tumor of vascular origin. This study investigated the clinical and imaging features of KHE to provide a reference for its early diagnosis.

Methods

The clinical and imaging findings of 27 clinically confirmed KHE cases (including 21 with focal lesions and 6 with diffuse lesions) between January 2016 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The mean age of the 27 patients was 105 ± 80.27 days. Twenty-two (81.5%) of these patients had Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. Most KHEs were located in the trunk and/or extremities (22/27). Ultrasonography showed heterogeneous echogenicity and/or striated hypoechoic bands with abundant or patchy blood flow within the tumor. On plain computed tomography (CT), they appeared as heterogeneous lesions isodense with the muscles, with a CT value of 29.58 ± 11.53 HU. In the arterial phase, the KHEs showed striated or lamellar heterogeneous enhancement, with a CT value of 153.91 ± 52.11 HU after enhancement. All KHEs showed uneven and high signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging, mixed high and low signal intensity on fat-saturated images, and no significant diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging.

Conclusion

KHEs can occur in various locations and present as highly infiltrative and heterogeneous masses that can invade the skin, adjacent muscles, and bones. A vascularized mass with purpuric skin changes, with uneven and high T2WI signal is highly suggestive of the diagnosis of KHE.

Case report: Transcatheter arterial embolization in a newborn with cervical rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma and Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon

Congenital hemangiomas (CHs) are rare vascular tumors and do not exhibit progressive postnatal growth. The incidence is less than 3% of all hemangiomas. Most CHs have a favorable prognosis; however, the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is a rare but life-threatening complication in CHs that requires aggressive treatment. Medical treatments with corticosteroids and interferon have been suggested. Surgical resection can be considered for the treatment of complicated CHs in medically resistant lesions. Vascular embolization could be an alternative method if surgery is not considered feasible. Herein, we report a case of a 9-day-old newborn who underwent arterial embolization for a CH with KMP, combined with sirolimus treatment, and the outcome was favorable. The hemangioma completely regressed by 3 months and rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma (RICH) was diagnosed. Our successful experience with treating RICH associated with KMP revealed that RICH can have potentially serious complications although they usually resolve rapidly after birth without treatment. Surgical resection is considered to be the standard method for the treatment of medically resistant vascular tumors, but it is difficult to perform during the active phase of KMP due to acute bleeding and severe coagulopathy. Arterial embolization is feasible and can be used as an alternative to surgical resection, even in small babies.

Multidisciplinary management of a neonate with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with extensive cranial fossa destruction

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare, benign, locally destructive vascular tumor. Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, a consumptive coagulopathy, is a life-threatening complication associated with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. We describe a case of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma complicated by Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon in a neonate born with a large facial mass with deep extension toward the cranium and airway. The mass was not identified prenatally. The patient was a 37-week gestation age female neonate born via spontaneous vaginal delivery and noted to have a large left-sided facial mass that was not noted on the most recent prenatal ultrasound at 22 weeks gestation age. At birth, the patient was in respiratory distress and required continuous positive airway pressure support. Imaging revealed a large highly vascularized soft tissue mass adjacent to the airway with intracranial extension and bony destruction. Fine needle aspiration confirmed kaposiform hemangioendothelioma. On day of life 6, the patient was noted to have thrombocytopenia, elevated d-dimer, anemia, and hypofibrinogenemia, consistent with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, which resolved at day of life 12. Given the location and extent of the mass, medical therapy with single agent oral sirolimus was chosen over surgery. At 13-month follow-up, the infant is well on sirolimus therapy, and the mass has decreased in size, both clinically and on imaging. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with extensive craniofacial and bony involvement with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon with single oral therapy of sirolimus. Fibrinogen concentrate may be considered in the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon refractory to cryoprecipitate.

Comprehensive Analyses of Coagulation Parameters in Patients with Vascular Anomalies

BACKGROUND

Vascular anomalies comprise a diverse group of rare diseases with altered blood flow and are often associated with coagulation disorders. The most common example is a localized intravascular coagulopathy in venous malformations leading to elevated D-dimers. In severe cases, this may progress to a disseminated intravascular coagulopathy with subsequent consumption of fibrinogen and thrombocytes predisposing to serious bleeding. A separate coagulopathy is the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon in kaposiform hemangioendothelioma characterized by platelet trapping leading to thrombocytopenia and eventually consumptive coagulopathy. Our previous work showed impaired von Willebrand factor and platelet aggregometry due to abnormal blood flow, i.e., in ventricular assist devices or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. With altered blood flow also present in vascular anomalies, we hypothesized that, in particular, the von Willebrand factor parameters and the platelet function may be similarly impacted.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 73 patients with different vascular anomaly entities and analyzed their coagulation parameters.

RESULTS

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome was observed in both of our patients with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. In six out of nine patients with complex lymphatic anomalies, both the vWF antigen and activity were upregulated. Platelet aggregometry was impaired in both patients with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon and in seven out of eight patients with an arteriovenous malformation.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis of coagulation parameters in our patients with vascular anomalies advanced our understanding of the underlying pathophysiologies of the observed coagulopathies. This may lead to new treatment options for the, in part, life-threatening bleeding risks in these patients in the future.

Case Report: Bilateral symmetrical primary kaposiform hemangioendothelioma of the femur

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare borderline vascular tumor that usually presents as a mass of skin or deep soft tissue. We report a unique case of an 8-year-old KHE patient with bilateral symmetrical sites involving both femurs. The laboratory, radiographic, and pathological findings of the patient were minutely described. During the 6-month follow-up, the symptoms of pain and dysfunction of this patient were relieved. This study aimed to arouse clinicians' concern about the symmetrical sites of KHE patients.

Indications and Limitations of Sirolimus in the Treatment of Vascular Anomalies-Insights From a Retrospective Case Series

BACKGROUND

Despite recent developments, the role of sirolimus in the heterogeneous spectrum of vascular anomalies is yet to be defined, in terms of indication, dosage, and therapy duration, recognizing both its potential and limitations.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 16 children with vascular anomalies treated with sirolimus in two pediatric centers between 2014 and 2020 [male: n = 7, the median age at diagnosis: 4.6 months (range, 0-281.4)]. In addition, repetitive volumetric analyses of the vascular anomalies were performed when possible (11 cases).

RESULTS

Ten patients were diagnosed with vascular malformations and 6 with vascular tumors. The mean therapy duration was 27.2 months (range, 3.5-65). The mean sirolimus level was 8.52 ng/ml (range, 5.38-12.88). All patients except one with central conducting lymphatic anomaly responded to sirolimus, with the most noticeable volume reduction in the first 4-6 months. Additional administration of vincristine was needed in five patients with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and yielded a response, even in cases, refractory to sirolimus monotherapy. As a single agent, sirolimus led to impressive improvement in a patient with another vascular tumor-advanced epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Complicated vascular malformations required long-term sirolimus therapy. Side effects of sirolimus included mucositis and laboratory abnormalities. No major infectious episodes were recorded. An infant with COVID-19, diagnosed while on sirolimus therapy, presented with a mild course.

CONCLUSION

In the current series, we reported limitations of sirolimus as monotherapy, addressing the need to redefine its indications, and explore combination regimens and multimodal treatment strategies. Tools for objective evaluation of response trends over time could serve as a basis for the establishment of future therapeutic algorithms.

Chronic lymphedema in patients with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma: incidence, clinical features, risk factors and management

Objectives

There are no cohort studies of chronic lymphedema in patients with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE). We sought to characterize the incidence, clinical features, risk factors and management of chronic lymphedema in patients with KHE.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients who had a minimum of 3 years of follow-up after the onset of KHE and/or Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP). Clinical features were reviewed to determine the possible cause of chronic lymphedema. The degree of lymphedema, risk factors and management strategies were analyzed.

Results

Among the 118 patients, chronic lymphedema was confirmed by lymphoscintigraphy 1 year after the onset of KHE and/or KMP in 13 patients. In 8 patients with lymphedema, extremity swelling was evident in the presence of KHE and/or KMP. In all patients with lymphedema, a unilateral extremity was affected, along with ipsilateral KHE. Most (84.6%) patients reported moderate lymphedema. Lymphedema was more common in patients with larger (≥ 10 cm) and mixed lesions involving the extremities (P < 0.01). A history of KMP and sirolimus treatment were not predictors of lymphedema (P > 0.05). Overall, 76.9% of patients received sirolimus treatment after referral, including 53.8% who presented extremity swelling before referral. Seven (53.8%) patients received compression therapy. Five (38.5%) patients reported lymphedema-associated decreased range of motion at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

Chronic lymphedema is a common sequela of KHE and can occur independently of KMP and sirolimus treatment. Patients with large and mixed KHE involving extremities should be closely monitored for this disabling complication.

Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma with Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon in a Neonate - Role of Dual Therapy: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) represents a rare, borderline vascular tumor with locally aggressive behavior. They are often associated with a potentially life-threatening coagulopathy known as Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP). Due to heterogeneous nature of the vascular lesion and lack of standardized treatment protocols, these patients pose a diagnostic dilemma and therapeutic challenge with morbidity and potential mortality. We report successful management of an infant with KHE and associated KMP. Difficulties encountered in diagnosis, initiation of therapy, and role of dual therapy with vincristine and steroids are discussed.

A not so harmless mass: Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma complicated by a Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon

A vascular mass localized in the face and the neck was displayed by ultrasonography in a 38-week-old male fetus. At birth, the mass was bulky and purplish. The newborn breathed spontaneously but with severe desaturation. During laryngoscopy, we observed an obstruction of the larynx with a left-shift caused by the hemorrhagic mass. Blood analysis revealed anemia, severe thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorders. The diagnosis of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) complicated by a Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP) was put forward and treatment with propranolol, corticoids, and vincristine was initiated. Platelets were transfused daily for 8 days but did not resolve the thrombocytopenia. At day 8, we added sirolimus to the treatment and noted a rapid response with the normalization of the platelet count within 1 week and a significant regression of the mass. In this paper, we review the clinical and biological features of hemangioendothelioma associated with KMP and discuss its current and future treatment. Sirolimus seems to be very promising.

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma without cutaneous involvement

PURPOSE

We sought to characterize the clinical features and management of patients diagnosed as Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) without cutaneous involvement.

METHODS

The electronic patient chats at six Triple A hospitals in China were searched to find all patient diagnoses with KHE without cutaneous involvement.

RESULTS

Of 30 patients (mean age at diagnosis, 55.6 months), 17 (56.7%) were male. Fourteen (46.7%) patients were associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP). Patients with KMP were significantly more likely to have lesions involving truck compared to patients without KMP (odds ratio 10.000; 95% confidence interval 1.641-60.921; P = 0.011). Other common complication included severe anemia and decreased range of motion. In the majority of cases (93.3%), the lesions were highly infiltrative and locally invasive with ill-defined margins. Histological examination was required in all patients without KMP for precise diagnosis. In all, 16 (53.3%) patients received corticosteroid treatment, 19 (63.3%) received oral sirolimus treatment, 7 (23.3%) received intravenous vincristine, and 5 (16.7%) patients used propranolol. Patients had varied responses to conventional drugs, whereas all patients receiving sirolimus treatment had better response. In all, three patients (10%) died of disease, all presented with KMP. Feature of these recalcitrant cases (death) included young age, visceral location, extensive involvement, and lack of improvement with high-dose corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study clearly demonstrated that KHE without cutaneous involvement could be associated with important complication, which might result in death or severe morbidity. Increased awareness of KHE without cutaneous involvement is required for early diagnosis and aggressive therapy in an attempt to prevent complication.

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma in children: a benign vascular tumor with multiple treatment options

BACKGROUND

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare vascular tumor affecting infants and young children. Although benign, it can be associated with an aggressive locally growing tumor and/or a life-threatening Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP). To date, only reviews of limited cases have been performed. We, therefore, conducted a comprehensive literature search to collect relevant data and make recommendations for future treatment trials.

METHODS

Review of the available literature between 1993 and 2017 revealed a total of 105 publications involving 215 patients of less than 21 years of age. To this, we added 12 from our department and 4 from the Cooperative Weichteilsarkomstudie database.

RESULTS

We found that KMP was present in 79% of the infants, in 47% of the 1-5-year olds, in 43% of the 6-12-year olds, and in 10% of the 13-21-year-old patients. KMP was present in nearly all (94%) patients with retroperitoneal tumors and in all patients with extra-regional tumors. The median size of a KHE without KMP was 12 cm² as compared to 49 cm² when associated with a KMP. With complete (not further classifiable if R0 or R1) resection, all patients were cured. If inoperable, response regarding KMP/regression of tumor size was seen in 29/28% with steroid-, 47/39% with vincristine-, 44/43% with interferon alpha-, 65/61% with anti-platelet agents-, and in 97/100% with sirolimus-containing therapies.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with progressive KHE should undergo resection whenever it is considered a safe option. If inoperable, sirolimus should be the first choice for treating KMP and reducing tumor size.

Impact of sirolimus treatment for refractory kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with exacerbation of the disease 10 years after initial diagnosis

We describe our experience with a 12 year-old girl with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma accompanied by Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon with exacerbation of the disease 10 years after the initial diagnosis. Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma infiltrated into the subcutaneous tissue of the facial skin with deterioration of coagulopathy despite conventional therapies including corticosteroid, vincristine, and propranolol. Sirolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, produced rapid and dramatic improvement of the Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon and kaposiform hemangioendothelioma shrinkage. Eventually, multifocal lesions of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma disappeared on the images of magnetic resonance imaging and have remained in remission for 27 months after sirolimus cessation. We demonstrated that the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway played a pivotal role in the kaposiform hemangioendothelioma growth. Sirolimus must be a strong candidate for molecular therapy targeting kaposiform hemangioendothelioma.

Surgical treatment of a huge kaposiform hemangioendothelioma in the chest wall: A case study

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, a rare vascular pediatric tumor often associated with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon, is characterized by severe thrombocytopenia and consumptive coagulopathy. Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a severe disease and may progress quickly, resulting in a high mortality. However, standard treatment regimens for Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon have not yet been established. We reported here an infant with a large congenital kaposiform hemangioendothelioma in his chest wall who responded extremely well to surgical excision.

Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon and prenatal counseling: a case series

Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon can be encountered in the perinatal period. No consensus exists regarding prenatal management. We report one prenatal case leading to therapeutic abortion and one neonatal case, successfully treated by a multimodal therapy. Prenatal counseling should include the possibility of neonatal multimodal treatment that can lead to favorable outcomes.

Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma in a 3 Months Old Infant

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma is a rare, highly vascular and aggressive soft tissue tumor frequently associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon, usually seen in early infancy. Early diagnosis by means of MRI and tissue biopsy portends a better outcome. Treatment includes surgical excision when feasible and medical management with steroids, propranolol, vincristine and supportive treatment for coagulopathy. We report a 3 months old female infant who was diagnosed, treated successfully and is now in complete remission.

Pancreatic kaposiform hemangioendothelioma presenting with duodenal obstruction and kasabach-merritt phenomenon: a neonate cured by whipple operation

Aim Kaposiform hemangiondothelioma (KHE) is a rare vascular tumor, commonly associated with Kasaback–Merritt phenomenon characterized by thrombocytopenia and consumptive coagulopathy. We report a case of pancreatic KHE presenting with neonatal duodenal obstruction and Kasaback–Merritt phenomenon.

Case Report A full term male baby presented with bile stained vomiting on Day 3 of life. Contrast study and computed tomography scan showed duodenal obstruction by a 5 cm extrinsic hypervascular mass. Platelet count was 23 x 109/L. Laparotomy confirmed a vascular tumor arising from the pancreatic head compressing on the duodenum. Whipple operation was performed.

Results Intestinal obstruction and thrombocytopenia resolved after surgery. There was no post-operative complications. Histology confirmed KHE. The boy was tolerating hydrolyzed milk formula and was thriving at 5 months follow up.

Conclusion We reported a case of pancreatic KHE presented with neonatal intestinal obstruction and Kasaback–Merritt phenomenon. High index of suspicion is necessary for diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient who underwent Whipple operation.