Ann Dermatol.  2021 Oct;33(5):448-455. 10.5021/ad.2021.33.5.448.

Infantile Hemangiomas with Minimal and Arrested Growth: Clinical Features and Treatment Outcomes with 0.5% Topical Timolol Maleate

• Bae KN
• Shin K
• Kim HS
• Kim BS
• Kim MB
• Ko HC

• KMID: 2519930
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2021.33.5.448

Abstract

Background
A minority of infantile hemangiomas showing minimal or arrested growth (IH-MAGs) have been recognized in the literature. Nevertheless, the clinical features and treatment outcomes of IH-MAGs have not been well investigated.
Objective
This study aimed to understand the clinical characteristics of IH-MAGs better and their response to treatment with topical timolol maleate.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed medical records and clinical images of patients with IH-MAGs. Treatment response with topical timolol was assessed in both IH-MAGs and classic infantile hemangiomas (IHs) groups.
Results
Of the 1,038 patients with IHs, only 31 (3.0%) were diagnosed with IH-MAGs. Lesions with non-proliferative components were more frequently distributed in the lower half of the body (61.5%) than those with proliferative components (16.7%). In 14 patients treated with topical timolol, the global assessment scale showed more significant and rapid improvement than in those with classic IHs.
Conclusion
Although the prevalence of IH-MAGs may be relatively low, understanding their clinical features will help in differential diagnosis. Furthermore, these type of lesions might be more responsive to topical timolol than classic IHs.

Keyword

Blood vessel tumors; Infantile hemangioma; Infantile hemangioma with minimally and growth; Timolol