Efficacy of propranolol in severe segmental infantile hemangioma of the face

Infantile hemangioma (IH) is the most common benign vascular tumor of childhood. Most of IHs regress spontaneously, yet some require a more rapid intervention. Herein, we report the case of a two-month-old female who was brought in for consultation by the mother with a voluminous segmental IH of the face in respiratory distress. The infant was hospitalized, after taking advice from other specialists and performing a pre-treatment check-up, the patient was administered oral propranolol. Respiration returned to normal after several hours. The evolution was marked by the regression of the hemangioma and positive drug tolerance. Our observation shows the value of early diagnosis and the need for the rapid management of severe segmental IH of the face treated with oral propranolol. Apart from the efficacy of propranolol in the treatment of IH, we report the difficulties due to the unavailability of the adapted syrup form for infants in Guinea.