Refractory periocular amblyogenic hemangiomas in childhood: Is there a role for embolization?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of transarterial embolization (TAE) as a therapeutic modality for potentially amblyogenic periocular infantile hemangiomas (POIH) resistant to medical treatment. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, angiographic, and imaging data of four patients who underwent TAE as a pre-operative adjunct for POIH causing obstruction of the visual axis. Results: Rapid tumor shrinkage with early opening of the visual axis was achieved in all four POIHs. No complications occurred. The best results were achieved in non-congenital infantile hemangiomas and in the proliferative phase of the tumors. Conclusion: Our short series demonstrated that TAE may be a salvage treatment to unblock the visual axis before surgery or as a first-line definitive therapy for medically refractory and potentially amblyogenic POIHs.