Large hemangioma of the gluteal region with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, and CT scan

A huge gluteal hemangioma with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome in two children is reported. The CT scan is the most recommended procedure to analyze an extension of hemangioma into the subcutaneous tissue. Hemangioma shows usually as spongelike shadows on the CT scan. No enhancement is necessary. Steroid hormone appears to be the treatment of choice for infantile hemangioma with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Radiotherapy seems to be of the second choice. The thrombocyte count during the patients convalescence period after the steroid or radiotherapy increases remarkably, over 70,000/mm3. The biopsy should be performed at the time of the normal thrombocyte count. Cutaneous hemangioma with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome tends to affect the first child and the female of twins. Kasabach-Merritt syndrome occasionally recurrs within 6 months after normalization of the thrombocyte count. (author)