Infantile hemangiomas with conjunctival involvement: An underreported occurrence

Abstract

Background/Objectives

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) involving the conjunctiva are only anecdotally reported in the literature and little is known about their clinical course. In a retrospective case series we aimed to better delineate the clinical presentation, complications, and response to treatment of this uncommon subtype of IH. A classification of conjunctival IH is proposed.

Methods

Medical charts at three academic pediatric dermatology institutions were retrospectively analyzed. Data were collected on the clinical characteristics, ophthalmologic findings, treatments, and outcomes of 22 individuals with conjunctival IH.

Results

Growth characteristics of conjunctival IH closely mirrored those of their cutaneous counterparts. Ophthalmologic abnormalities were associated with the IH in six individuals (27%); in three, they were considered severe. Seventeen subjects (77%) required treatment, most commonly because of risk of ocular compromise. All treated individuals responded favorably to topical timolol or systemic propranolol.

Conclusion

Conjunctival IH have clinical characteristics similar to those of cutaneous IH and respond readily to beta-blocker treatment. Ocular complications may occur in a minority of individuals receiving treatment.