PHACE syndrome: a case report and a comprehensive review

Abstract

Introduction and importance: PHACE syndrome is a rare neurocutaneous disorder characterized by large segmental hemangiomas on the face and is associated with multiple developmental defects. PHACE stands for posterior fossa malformations, hemangiomas, arterial abnormalities, cardiac defects, and eye anomalies, with the most common manifestation being hemangioma in the cervico-facial region in early childhood. Case presentation: The authors report a case of a 15-year-female with complaints of facial hemangioma which on multisystemic imaging showed features of central nervous system (CNS) anomalies that led to the diagnosis of PHACE syndrome. The patient was started on propanolol which decreased the size of hemangioma in follow-up visits. Clinical discussion: The hemangioma in the frontotemporal and frontonasal area of the face are associated more with CNS and cardiovascular anomalies needing a detailed multisystem approach. CNS anomalies include posterior cerebral fossa enlargement, cystic dilation of the fourth ventricle, arachnoid cyst, and cerebellar hypoplasia which were present in our case. Propanolol is considered the first-line drug for facial hemangioma with reported evidence of remarkable improvement and good tolerance. However, regular follow-up of the patient is needed to rule out any recurrence. Conclusion: PHACE syndrome, although being a rare occurrence, must be kept as a differential diagnosis in infants and children with facial hemangioma. Imaging modalities like MRI/magnetic resonance arteriography must be used to rule out possible associations related to PHACE syndrome and focus on early treatment to prevent possible complications.