Spectrum of hepatic hemangiomas: management and outcome

Abstract

Purpose: Infants with multiple cutaneous hemangiomas often present with hepatic hemangiomas. They can follow a benign clinical course or require complex management. We reviewed our experience in the management of hepatic hemangiomas.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients (1996-2007) with hepatic hemangiomas treated in our institution.

Results: Twenty-six patients were diagnosed with hepatic hemangiomas as follows: 8 focal, 12 multiple, and 6 diffuse lesions. Nineteen (73%) patients had associated cutaneous hemangiomas. Sixteen patients had multiple and 3 patients had single cutaneous hemangiomas. All patients with multiple or diffuse liver lesions were screened for heart failure and hypothyroidism. Congestive heart failure developed in 4 patients, 3/4 of these patients had diffuse lesions. Two patients required thyroid replacement because of elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone. Because of progression of disease, 9 patients required steroid treatment. Two patients were treated with vincristine and 3 patients received alpha-interferon because of poor response to steroid treatment. Two patients went on to surgical resection for failed response to medical management and worsening heart failure (left lobectomy, liver transplant). Both patients had uncomplicated postoperative courses. Five patients had a previously undescribed constellation of rapidly involuting cutaneous hemangiomas (gone by 3 months, glut-1-negative) with associated liver lesions also resolving at a faster pace (mean resolution of cutaneous hemangiomas, 1.9 vs 7.9 months; P = .001; liver, 5.8 vs 25.3 months; P = .004). All patients in our series survived.

Conclusion: Patients with multiple cutaneous hemangiomas should be screened for hepatic lesions. Patients with diffuse or multifocal liver hemangiomas should be screened for congestive heart failure and hypothyroidism. A subgroup of rapidly involuting cutaneous hemangiomas have a significantly shorter time for involution of hepatic lesions. The status of cutaneous lesions can be used as indicators for the liver hemangiomas.