Isolated subglottic hemangiomas: A potential diagnostic challenge in the absence of a cutaneous clue.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

OBJECTIVE: Subglottic hemangiomas may present a diagnostic challenge in the stridorous infant without a cutaneous lesion. METHODS: Consecutive case series with chart review of isolated subglottic hemangiomas without cutaneous lesions. RESULTS: Two patients with isolated subglottic hemangiomas without cutaneous lesions were identified. Both patients presented with stridor and were initially treated with systemic corticosteroids, racemic epinephrine, and supportive medical therapy for a presumed infectious etiology. After failure to clinically improve over an expected period of time, endoscopy was performed. Propranolol was initiated immediately after the diagnosis was made. Clinical response was noted in the first 24 hours after administration. Both children were able to be safely titrated up to the therapeutic dose (2mg/kg/day). No complications or re-admissions were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical suspicion for a subglottic hemangioma in an infant with stridor may be high in cases where there is a synchronous cutaneous lesion. In infants without cutaneous involvement, diagnosis may be delayed and more challenging, given the possibility of an infectious etiology. These infants without a synchronous cutaneous lesion tend to present at an older age than infants with cutaneous lesions and may be managed successfully with propranolol.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Cheng, J

Published Date

  • 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 36 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 399 - 401

PubMed ID

  • 25659918

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1532-818X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.amjoto.2015.01.011

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States