Infantile facial haemangioma and subclinical left ventricular dysfunction: the importance of z score in the diagnostic and therapeutic process

J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown). 2010 Sep;11(9):692-4. doi: 10.2459/JCM.0b013e328332e861.

Abstract

Large facial haemangiomas have a high rate of complications and can be associated with neurological, ophthalmological and cardiac abnormalities (PHACE syndrome; Posterior fossa malformations, Haemangiomas, Arterial anomalies, Coarctation of the aorta and cardiac defects, and Eye abnormalities). However, a thorough clinical examination is absolutely necessary. In fact, even in the absence of a PHACE syndrome, large haemangiomas can induce important complications. In the present brief report we describe a case of left ventricular dilatation in a 6-month-old girl due to a giant facial haemangioma. Left ventricular dilatation has been evaluated by two-dimensional echocardiography. Studies to identify other major arteriovenous malformations were negative. Medical therapy with diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and steroids was able to halt the progression towards left ventricular dysfunction, avoiding an early surgical approach for a disease that very often is self-limiting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Dilatation, Pathologic
  • Diuretics / therapeutic use
  • Facial Neoplasms / complications*
  • Facial Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Hemangioma / complications*
  • Hemangioma / physiopathology
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / diagnostic imaging
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / drug therapy
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / etiology*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / physiopathology

Substances

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Diuretics
  • Steroids