Massive hemangioma in infants: therapeutic considerations.

Eight infants were treated for massive symptomatic hemangioma over a 6-year period. The hemangiomas were located in the liver in five infants and in the upper arm, lower leg, and face in one newborn each. Symptoms included congestive heart failure in six infants and platelet trapping in three newborns. Prednisone and surgical excision were curative in six of the eight patients, while two of the eight died of sepsis, congestive heart failure, and continued platelet trapping. Radiation therapy and arteriographic embolization were of limited value.