Refractory kaposiforme hemangioendothelioma in the pediatric population: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare vascular tumor characterized by aggressive local invasion and a platelet entrapment syndrome known as the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. Although many cases of KHE are successfully treated with local control or low-intensity chemotherapy, some cases are often resistant, with few therapeutic options available. Here, we report a pediatric patient with KHE associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon refractory to first-line treatment, who demonstrated excellent response to treatment. Case report: We present the case of a 3-month-old male patient with a KHE refractory to first-line treatment (vincristine, corticosteroids, propranolol), without possibility of local control treatment. Therefore, combined therapy with sirolimus was decided, presenting local control and resolution of the coagulopathy from the first week after starting the management and with resolution of vascular malformation after 12 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Although there are no clear guidelines for the treatment of refractory KHE in the pediatric population, current evidence demonstrate that sirolimus is an effective option that could be considered as a first-line treatment in such patients.