Clinical and Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Infantile Periocular Hemangioma Treated With Oral Propranolol.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and ultrasonographic response of periocular infantile capillary hemangioma during treatment with oral propranolol.

METHODS

Patients with infantile periocular hemangioma and visual or cosmetic concerns were enrolled in this prospective interventional case series. Propranolol was given at a dose of 2 mg/kg per day for at least 6 months. Evaluation of treatment response was performed at month 3 (time point 1) and month 6 (time point 2). Gray scale ultrasonography and color Doppler imaging were performed at baseline and month 3.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients with mean age of 4.1 ± 2.3 months were eligible for analysis. Complete or near complete clinical resolution was observed in 4 patients (12.9%) at time point 1 and 21 patients (67.7%) at time point 2. Longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, thickness, arterial peak systolic velocity, and end diastolic velocity reduced significantly from baseline to 3-month follow up. Complete clinical response at time point 2 was significantly higher in patients with peak systolic velocity reduction >50% from baseline to month 3 than patients with peak systolic velocity reduction of 10% to 50% and <10%.

CONCLUSIONS

Propranolol is safe and effective for infantile periocular hemangioma. Ultrasonography and color Doppler imaging are useful modalities to monitor and predict the treatment response.