Cerebral vasculopathy and neurologic sequelae in infants with cervicofacial hemangioma: report of eight patients

• Published in: Radiology Vol. 207; no. 3; p. 601
• Main Authors: Burrows, P E, Robertson, R L, Mulliken, J B, Beardsley, D S, Chaloupka, J C, Ezekowitz, R A, Scott, R M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.06.1998
• Subjects: Abnormalities, Multiple - diagnosis; Cerebral Angiography; Cerebral Infarction - diagnosis; Cerebral Infarction - etiology; Facial Neoplasms - complications; Facial Neoplasms - diagnosis; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms - complications; Head and Neck Neoplasms - diagnosis; Hemangioma - complications; Hemangioma - diagnosis; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations - complications; Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations - diagnosis; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Nervous System Malformations - complications; Nervous System Malformations - diagnosis; Retrospective Studies; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
• ISSN: 0033-8419
• DOI: 10.1148/radiology.207.3.9609880

To determine the association of cerebral arterial anomalies and progressive cerebral arterial occlusive disease in infants with facial hemangiomas. The cases of eight infants (seven girls and one boy) with the diagnosis of cervicofacial hemangioma and intracranial arterial anomalies were reviewed retrospectively. Findings from clinical and imaging examinations--including cranial computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, and catheter angiography--were evaluated. Serial imaging findings were studied to document progressive intracranial vascular changes. Five patients had additional associated congenital anomalies. Seven were treated with corticosteroids, interferon alfa-2a, or both. Progressive cerebrovascular occlusive changes were documented in four of the seven patients with serial imaging findings. Four other patients (all treated pharmacologically) had MR imaging documentation of cerebral infarction, and all had consistent, acquired neurologic symptoms. Intracranial arterial anomalies can coexist with cervicofacial hemangioma. Aneurysmal and occlusive changes are potentially progressive and can result in cerebral infarction. A causative association between occlusive cerebrovascular disease and pharmacologic treatment has not been excluded.