'PHACE' on the 'face'.

Abstract

Infantile haemangiomas are a common presentation in infants within the first few months of life. The majority of haemangiomas are benign; however, large haemangiomas (≥5 cm), especially those involving the face, may indicate a more serious underlying neurocutaneous disorder known as PHACE (Posterior fossa malformations, Haemangioma, Arterial anomalies, Coarctation of the aorta/Cardiac defects and Eye abnormalities) syndrome. The authors report an unusual case of possible PHACE syndrome in a young male toddler with a large facial haemangioma. Diagnosing and managing PHACE syndrome is a complex task, as it requires a multidisciplinary approach, awareness of the clinical presentation and access to standardised guidelines to approach large facial haemangiomas. We will discuss the clinical assessment and diagnostic approach to PHACE syndrome in a metropolitan paediatric outpatient setting in Western Australia.