Prenatal diagnosis of rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Abstract Congenital hemangiomata are rare benign vascular tumors, presenting as fully mature lesions at birth. Three types have been described; the “rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma” (RICH), the “non-involuting congenital hemangioma” (NICH)and the “partially involuting congenital hemangioma” (PICH). We herein report on a RICH type congenital hemangioma, identified during a fetal morphology ultrasound performed at 19 weeks’ gestation. Early diagnosis allowed close surveillance of the fetus and neonate and observation of the natural course of this lesion. Although being a potentially life-threatening condition, no intervention was required. It presented as a 4 cm vascular tumor on the forehead at time of the cesarean section and diminished rapidly over the first 4 neonatal months, resulting in some skin excess and discoloration which is expected to entirely resolve by 14 months of age.