Periocular capillary hemangioma: a review for pediatricians and family physicians

Abstract

The pediatrician or family physician is usually the first person to examine an infant with a periocular capillary hemangioma. The physician should know that, in addition to being cosmetically disfiguring, capillary hemangiomas have the potential to cause serious ocular complications such as amblyopia, strabismus, proptosis, and optic atrophy. Prompt evaluation and management of periocular hemangiomas are essential in order to prevent permanent visual loss. Corticosteroids have been the mainstay in the treatment of patients with large periocular hemangiomas, but other therapeutic modalities such as radiation, interferon, and surgical excision also have been effective in selected patients. This review provides pediatricians and family physicians with information on the natural history, complications, and current management of periocular hemangiomas in infants.