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Hemangioma Information
Hemangiomas located over the lower spine:Infantile hemangiomas over the skin on the center lower back/buttock area (lumbosacral area) carry a risk for being associated with a spinal cord problem underneath. Tethered cord is one such abnormality in which the spinal cord is abnormally stretched. Often, there are no symptoms until adulthood, but it can become apparent during childhood. If the spinal cord abnormality is present over time this condition can lead to neurological damage. Common symptoms are lower back pain, pain and weakness of the legs, walking problems, and loss of control of the bladder and bowel. If your child has a hemangioma in this location, see your doctor to discuss whether imaging the spine for this possibility may be appropriate.
Related HIG ResearchThe HIG prospectively evaluated a group of patients with infantile hemangioma (IH) in the midline lumbosacral region for spinal anomalies to determine the risk of spinal anomalies and to make evidence-based recommendations for screening. Results: 21/41 study participants with a lumbosacral IH had intraspinal abnormalities detected. The relative risk for all patients with lumbosacral IHs for spinal anomalies was 640 (95% CI: 404 – 954) and the positive predictive value of IH for spinal dysraphism was 51.2%. Ulceration of the hemangioma was associated with a higher risk of having spinal anomalies. The presence of additional cutaneous anomalies also was associated with a higher likelihood of finding spinal anomalies; however, 35% of the infants with isolated lumbosacral IHs had spinal anomalies with a relative risk of 438 (95% CI: 188 – 846). Conclusions: Infants and children with midline lumbosacral IHs are at increased risk for spinal anomalies. Screening magnetic resonance imaging is recommended for children with these lesions. Drolet BA, Chamlin SL, Garzon MC, Adams D, Baselga E, Haggstrom AN, Holland KE, Horii KA, Juern A, Lucky AW, Mancini AJ, McCuaig C, Metry DW, Morel KD, Newell BD, Nopper AJ, Powell J, Frieden IJ, A Prospective Study of Spinal Anomalies in Children with Infantile Hemangiomas of the Lumbosacral Skin. J Pediatr 2010 Nov;157(5):789-94. |
The development of this website was supported by a Sulzberger educational grant from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Disclaimer:
Knowledge regarding and treatment of infantile hemangiomas are constantly changing. The authors have made their best efforts to ensure that the information provided on this website is complete and accurate. However, the authors are not responsible for inaccurate or incomplete information, or for the results of using the information found on this website. The information provided on this website does not replace the expertise of your physician. We stress that every child with a hemangioma must seek medical care from his or her physician.