Differential Diagnosis for Congenital Hemangioma vs. Infantile Hemangioma
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Infantile Hemangioma: This is the most common diagnosis, given its high prevalence in infants. Infantile hemangiomas are typically not present at birth, appear within the first few weeks of life, and have a characteristic growth phase followed by involution.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Congenital Hemangioma: This is a likely consideration, especially if the lesion is present at birth. Congenital hemangiomas are fully formed at birth and can be either rapidly involuting (RICH) or non-involuting (NICH).
- Vascular Malformations: These are anomalies of blood vessels that are present at birth and do not regress. They can be confused with hemangiomas but have distinct clinical and imaging characteristics.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma: A rare, aggressive vascular tumor that can be life-threatening due to its potential for Kasabach-Merritt syndrome (consumptive coagulopathy). Early recognition is crucial for appropriate management.
- Tufted Angioma: Another rare vascular tumor that can also be associated with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, making it critical not to miss.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pyogenic Granuloma: A benign vascular lesion that can appear in infancy, though it's less common than hemangiomas. It typically presents as a small, bleeding polypoid mass.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): A rare vascular anomaly that can present at any age, including infancy. AVMs are high-flow lesions that can cause significant morbidity if not properly managed.