Results of argon laser exposure of capillary hemangiomas of infancy--preliminary report

Abstract

Argon laser photocoagulation of capillary hemangiomas of infancy ("strawberry marks") has been described in three cases. Treatment in the first case was necessitated by repeated alarming hemorrhage. The second case was treated totally and resulted in immediate induced resolution of the hemangioma, which preceded (by 9 months) the spontaneous involution of an untreated control comparison area and resulted in virtually complete blanching without secondary deformity. The third case demonstrated the laser's ability to stop rapid growth immediately. Spontaneous involution then ensued naturally and was complete 12 months later. It should be emphasized that the argon laser is not recommended for the routine treatment of a normally spontaneously involuting hemangioma. Each case must be examined and the usual indications for intervention should be present. The argon laser has demonstrated the ability to coagulate vascular lesions such as port wine hemangiomas and telangiectasias and can be expected to have a similar favorable effect on the aggressive, rapidly expanding juvenile hemangioma, although further clinical documentation clearly remains to be demonstrated.