Unveiling Infantile Hemangiomas: A Comprehensive Study of Patterns, Presentations, and Complications.

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangioma is the most common vascular tumor in infants, affecting 4% to 10% of this population. It typically appears as a solitary cutaneous hemangioma but can also be multifocal or segmental. The condition progresses through rapid growth, a plateau phase, and gradual involution. Key risk factors include low birth weight, prematurity, female sex, multiple gestations, and family history. Clinical presentation varies among individuals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with infantile hemangioma at our hospital, focusing on age at onset, presentation, location, size, type, and complications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of medical records of infants diagnosed with infantile hemangioma was conducted. Data were collected for statistical analysis on demographics, lesion characteristics, and complications. RESULTS: The study reviewed 694 hemangiomas in 500 patients, with 50% having a precursor lesion at birth. A significant female predominance (72%) was noted, with most patients (72%) delivered at term. The strawberry mass was the most common morphology (74%), primarily located in the head and neck (42%). Of the hemangiomas, 45% were superficial, and 88% showed progressive growth. Ten patients with periocular hemangiomas experienced amblyopia, while other complications included PHACES syndrome, ipsilateral breast hypertrophy, and arteriovenous malformations. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the diverse manifestations, anomalies, and risk factors associated with infantile hemangioma in a tertiary care setting.