Strawberry Naevus/Capiallary Haemangioma

Question 1

What are haemangiomas and when do they usually develop/change?

Answer 1

They appear as erythematous, raised and multilobed tumours.

They are usually not present at birth but may develop rapidly in the first month of life.

Typically they increase in size until around 6-9 months before regressing over the next few years (around 95% resolve before 10 years of age).

Question 2

Capillary haemangiomas are present in what percentage of white infants?

Answer 2

~10%

Question 3

Which infants are more likely to be affected?

Answer 3

• Female, premature infants whose mothers have undergone chorionic villous sampling.

Question 4

What are some potential complications of haemangiomas?

Answer 4

• Mechanical e.g. Obstructing visual fields or airway
• Bleeding - vaseline can help to keep from getting dry and becoming fragile.
• Ulceration
• Thrombocytopaenia
• Upper respitaory tract obstruction (rare) - usually if haemangiomas on the body are in the center line of the body - i.e. fetal development.
• If near the eye need to be seen by opthalmology

Question 5

Where are the common sites for haemangiomas?

Answer 5

• Face
• Scalp
• Back

Question 6

If multiple haemangiomas are on the body, where else can they rarely appear?

Answer 6

• Liver (more common of the rare places)
• Brain
• Heart

Question 7

How are they treated if treatment is required (breathing or visual issues) and at what age?

Answer 7

Propanolol in the first year of life - as it needs to be given during the “growing stage” of the haemangioma. (6-9 months of age)

Referral to paediatrics is required.