The value of visual evoked potentials in the evaluation of periorbital hemangiomas

Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Aug;140(2):314-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2005.01.026.

Abstract

Purpose: To present a case of a child with an extensive facial hemangioma in whom the suspicion of intracranial involvement was raised by visual evoked potential (VEP) evaluation.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: VEP analysis was performed using flash and pattern stimuli to determine whether treatment intervention other than occlusion therapy was needed.

Results: VEP analysis indicated a marked transoccipital asymmetry in the flash and pattern VEP suggestive of right hemispheric dysfunction. Neuroimaging showed intracranial extension of the hemangioma.

Conclusion: The VEP evaluation is a noninvasive technique performed in the awake child. This case highlights the usefulness of VEP analysis in the management of extensive periocular capillary hemangiomas and its use as a modality to identify potential intracranial involvement. Large plaquelike facial capillary hemangiomas may have possible underlying dural involvement suggestive of PHACES syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amblyopia / diagnosis
  • Astigmatism / diagnosis
  • Evoked Potentials, Visual*
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Eyelid Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Facial Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Facial Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Hemangioma, Capillary / diagnosis*
  • Hemangioma, Capillary / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisolone