Cranio-facial-cervical and subglottic hemangioma with respiratory symptoms. A therapeutic emergency

We describe the case of a 41-day-old infant with a left craniofacial cervical and subglottic hemangioma with respira-tory symptoms. Although infantile hemangiomas are occasional benign vascular tumors that appear predominantly on the skin, 1-2% of patients may have airway lesions that can sometimes cause potentially life-threatening respiratory condi-tions. The decision was made to immediately commence treatment with propranolol, without waiting to complete the exten-sion and syndromic diagnoses. There was a positive clinical response and respiratory symptoms dissipated in twelve hours. Early treatment with beta-blockers is essential for children with hemangiomas whose location causes symptoms or significant functional changes: in some cases it may be a matter of urgency.