Diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis

Diffuse Neonatal Hemangiomatosis is a rare, severe disorder characterized by multiple hemangiomas. Hemangiomas are noncancerous (benign) growths consisting of a mass of blood vessels. They are the most common benign blood vessel (vascular) abnormalities of infancy.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis may vary but can include:

• Multiple, small, red or reddish-purple skin lesions on the skin
• Lesions may also be present on internal organs such as the liver, lung, brain, and gastrointestinal tract
• Potential complications can include heart failure due to high-output cardiac failure, bleeding from lesions within the gastrointestinal tract, and/or other serious complications

Causes

The exact cause of diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis is currently unknown. However, it is thought to occur randomly for no apparent reason (sporadically).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis is made based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, a detailed patient history, and specialized tests such as ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or other tests.

Treatment

The treatment of diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis is directed toward the specific symptoms that are apparent in each individual. Treatment may include corticosteroid therapy or interferon therapy. In severe cases, surgical removal of individual hemangiomas may be necessary.

See Also

• Hemangioma
• Vascular birthmark
• Infantile Hemangioma

References

• National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
• Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)

Diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis Resources
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