ABSTRACT
Benign and malignant liver tumors in infants comprise 4"-5" of all neoplasms in the fetus and neonate, and are being detected perinatally with increasing frequency through ultrasound. Hepatic vascular tumors are the most common benign pediatric tumor, affecting 4"-5" of white infants. Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are associated with white race, female gender, prematurity, low birth weight, and multiple gestations. The exact pathogenesis of IH remains unknown. Hepatic IHs have been widely referred to as hemangioendotheliomas and divided into types 1 and 2. Hepatic IHs are generally diagnosed using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast enhancement. Asymptomatic focal lesions do not need treatment and may be followed with serial ultrasound examinations until resolution. Glucocorticoids at varying doses have been used for many decades as the first line of treatment for cutaneous hemangiomas and hepatic hemangiomas (HHs). Interferon alpha has been used in corticosteroid unresponsive cases with promising results.
