Computed tomography of hemangiomas and related soft-tissue lesions in children.

The varied computed tomographic (CT) appearances of 19 hemangiomas and related soft-tissue lesions in 17 children were assessed retrospectively. Good CT-tissue correlation was obtained in 11 patients in whom histology was available. Although most cutaneous vascular lesions can be diagnosed by their characteristic clinical features, their extent may be difficult to assess clinically and at surgery. CT is important in defining the extent of these lesions as a guide for the surgeon, and for conservative follow-up. The often characteristic CT appearances also help in the diagnosis of the few patients with unusual clinical presentations.