A Case of Periorbital Infantile Capillary Hemangioma Treated With Propranolol

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of periorbital infantile capillary hemangioma treated with propranolol. Case summary: A 6-month-old girl visited our clinic for a mass on the right upper eyelid, which had been present since birth. A dome-shaped, red-purple colored mass occupying almost the entire right upper eyelid was observed, and overlying branch-shaped telangiectases were also detected. The visual axis of the right eye was partially obscured, due to the ptotic eyelid, and her ability to fix and follow was poor in the right eye. The patient was diagnosed with infantile capillary hemagioma. Because amblyopia in her right eye was suspected, treatment with propranolol was initiated. After 2.5 months of propranolol treatment, the hemangioma decreased in size and volume dramatically, changed from red-purple to light red color, and softened. The ptosis of the right upper eyelid improved, as well as the ability of the right eye to fix and follow. No significant adverse effects (e.g. hypotension, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, bronchospasm, or elevated liver enzymes) were observed, except transient QTc prolongation during cotreatment with ibuprofen, due to an upper respiratory infection. Conclusions: Propranolol should be considered as a treatment option for periorbital infantile capillary hemangioma. Further clinical studies are required to establish the optimal guidelines and long-term outcome.