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Article
Congenital Calvarial Hemangioma
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
  • Michal Brichacek
  • Abdul Naeem, Western University
  • Guido Filler, Western University
  • Robert Hammond, Western University
  • Arjang Yazdani, Western University
  • Adrianna Ranger, Western University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2018
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000004613
Disciplines
Abstract

Objectives

The authors describe a case of congenital calvarial hemangioma successfully managed using propranolol therapy. Presenting symptoms, radiological and pathological features, differential diagnosis, and management of this rare congenital mass are described.

Case Presentation

A 2-year-old boy presented with a 1-year history of a growing right parietal skull mass. No obvious etiology was apparent. No focal neurological deficits or associated craniofacial anomalies were identified. Plain film imaging demonstrated focal thickening of the right parietal bone with internal trabeculations in a sunburst appearance. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed bone thickening with coarsening of the bony trabeculae, minor irregularity of the outer table, unaffected inner table, and no evidence of aggressive features. A diagnostic biopsy of the lesion was performed in the operating room. Microscopic examination was consistent with hemangioma. Based on histological and radiological features of the lesion, it was identified as a cavernous hemangioma. Medical treatment utilizing propranolol was initiated for over 3 years with interval reduction in the lesion size. MRI head following treatment with propranolol demonstrated reduction of the mass compared to preoperative imaging.

Conclusions

Although a rare entity, it is important to consider congenital calvarial hemangioma in the differential diagnosis of slow growing skull lesions due to the possibility of complications as a result of the hemangioma's intracranial extension, and the potential for treatment. En bloc resection has classically been described as a treatment for such lesions, although our case demonstrates that medical treatment with propranolol therapy may be appropriate in certain situations.

Notes

Article available at The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery

https://doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000004613

Copyright © 2018 Mutaz B. Habal, MD. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.

Citation Information
Michal Brichacek, Abdul Naeem, Guido Filler, Robert Hammond, et al.. "Congenital Calvarial Hemangioma" The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery Vol. 29 Iss. 6 (2018) p. 1625 - 1628
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/guido-filler/33/