Complete resolution of life-threatening hemangioma by embolization and corticosteroids.

A case is presented in which congestive heart failure and thrombocytopenia were complications of an inoperable hemangioma in a neonate. Selective embolization of the hemangioma in the patient achieved significant diminution in the congestive failure and tided this infant through the first few days of life while awaiting positive effects from the steroids and external compression. The combined treatment modalities of selective embolization, external compression, and short course of low-dose systemic steroids resulted in a rapid and complete resolution of this life-threatening problem.