Characteristics and complications of anogenital infantile hemangiomas: A multicenter retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND

Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) of the anogenital region remain poorly characterized.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the distribution, ulceration rate, and associated congenital anomalies of anogenital IHs.

METHODS

Retrospective study at 8 tertiary referral centers.

RESULTS

A total of 435 infants with an IH of the anogenital region were enrolled (of which, 319 [73%] were girls). Congenital anomalies were present in 6.4% (n = 28) of infants with an anogenital IH. Segmental or partial segmental anogenital IHs ulcerated in 72% (n = 99 of 138) of infants, whereas 45% (n = 133 of 297) of focal anogenital IHs experienced ulceration (P < .001). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, segmental or partial segmental morphology (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.60-4.64), mixed type (aOR, 3.44; 95% CI, 2.01-6.07), and perianal (aOR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.53-6.12) and buttocks location (aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.17-3.76) had increased odds of ulceration. Segmental or partial segmental IHs of the genitalia were confined to distinct anatomic territories and were predominantly distributed unilaterally, with a linear demarcation at the perineal raphe.

LIMITATIONS: Possible selection bias, given recruitment at tertiary referral centers.

CONCLUSION

This study improves our understanding of high-risk features of anogenital IHs and demonstrates that genital segmental or partial segmental IHs develop within distinct anatomic territories.