Infantile Hemangioma with Minimal or Arrested Growth: Different Clinical Presentations in a Retrospective Case Series

Abstract

Infantile hemangioma with minimal or arrested growth (IHMAG) has been established as a subtype of infantile hemangioma (IH) due to positive glucose transporter-1 staining; however, it is clinically differentiated by a proliferative component of <25% of its total surface area. IHMAG can be misdiagnosed as a capillary malformation, an IH precursor, a noninvoluting congenital hemangioma, or an arteriovenous malformation among others. In this case series, we aim to further illustrate the various clinical characteristics of IHMAG and the features that distinguish this unique entity from the other vascular entities. It is important to recognize the differentiating characteristics to avoid unnecessary evaluation and provide patients with the appropriate management plan. A retrospective chart review approved by the University of Rochester Medical Center Institutional Review Board was performed from January 2014 to December 2020, with the search terms: “infantile hemangioma with arrested or minimal growth,” “IHMAG” and “abortive hemangioma.” In total, 29 IHMAGs were identified in 27 patients. Charts were reviewed for demographic and clinical characteristics as well as workup, response to treatment, and outcomes. In total, we identified 29 IHMAGs in 27 patients. Female to male ratio was 2:1. Average gestational age was 40 weeks. Lesions were present at birth in 22/27 patients. Out of the 29 IHMAGs, 18 were focal (62%) and 11 were segmental (38%). In most patients, skin examination revealed fine telangiectatic patches with focal areas of bright red papules. Out of 29 IHMAGs, 20 involved the lower body and 18 were focal, whereas 11 were segmental. PHACES syndrome (posterior fossa anomalies, infantile hemangioma, arterial anomalies, cardiac anomalies, eye anomalies, and midline skin defects) was identified in 2 of 2 patients with facial segmental IHMAGs. LUMBAR syndrome (lower body infantile hemangiomas and other skin defects; urogenital anomalies and ulceration; myelopathy; bony deformities; anorectal malformations and arterial anomalies; and rectal anomalies) was ruled out in 2 of 2 patients with extensive IHMAGs involving the sacral area. Semicircular lipoatrophy was seen in 1 patient with segmental circumferential IHMAG of the leg. Ultrasonography was the most used modality. Out of 27 infants, 18 were treated with topical timolol, 4 were treated with oral propranolol, and 2 patients were treated with a combination of both. Trends of the epidemiologic, clinical, and prognostic data of our 27 cases are in concordance with prior reports on IHMAG, further consolidating our understanding of this peculiar entity. IHMAG typically presents as a telangiectatic pink to violaceous patch present at birth in term newborns predominantly involving the lower half of the body. It is important to keep a high index of suspicion for the other vascular anomalies in the differential diagnosis. A segmental IHMAG should prompt providers to screen for associated syndromes such as PHACES and LUMBAR. Additional studies are warranted to better elucidate the pathogenesis of IHMAG and its associated anomalies. Level of evidence: Original report (case series).