Efficacy and safety of propranolol in the treatment of parotid hemangioma

Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011 Sep;30(3):245-8. doi: 10.3109/15569527.2011.554483. Epub 2011 Feb 21.

Abstract

A 2-month-old female patient presented an extensive bilateral parotid hemangioma (PH) focally ulcerated. Additionally, hepatic ultrasonography revealed a hemangioendothelioma located at right lobe. She was treated with oral prednisolone (3 mg/kg/day) during 10 months with clinical improvement of PH, despite failure to thrive and arterial hypertension. However, regrowth of the lesion occurred after discontinuation of oral steroid. Propranolol hydrochloride (2 mg/kg/day divided into two doses) was then started and maintained for 16 months, with marked involution of the hemangioma and with no systemic side effects during treatment course. Curiously, also the liver hemangioendothelioma completely resolved after starting propranolol. PH is a threatening cervicofacial segmental hemangioma that frequently proliferates after the year of age and needs long-term treatment. On the other hand, hepatic hemangioendotheliomas may be associated with cutaneous hemangiomas in some patients and their natural history is similar to these, although patients may die of associated conditions. As for other infantile hemangiomas, propranolol proved to be an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for PH. Its role in liver hemangiomas and hemangioendotheliomas should also be taken into account.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / adverse effects
  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Hemangioendothelioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangioendothelioma / drug therapy*
  • Hemangioma / diagnosis
  • Hemangioma / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / drug therapy*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Parotid Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Propranolol / administration & dosage
  • Propranolol / adverse effects
  • Propranolol / therapeutic use*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Antagonists
  • Propranolol