Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma with Bone Destruction: A 16-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study of the Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis

J Pediatr Surg. 2024 Apr;59(4):599-604. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.12.003. Epub 2023 Dec 7.

Abstract

Background: Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare, locally aggressive vascular tumor that often occurs in infants and young children. The goal of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of KHE patients with bone destruction and provide clinical guidance for diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive cohort study with follow-up from January 2007 to January 2023 to collect demographic information and tumor-related clinical information from KHE patients with bone destruction.

Results: A total of 269 KHE patients were included in the study, of whom 70 (26.0%) patients had tumors with bone destruction. The median age at diagnosis of patients with bone destruction was 19.0 months, which was much later than that of patients without bone destruction (P < 0.001). Patients with bone destruction were more likely to have a decreased range of motion (ROM) (P < 0.001). Metaphysis involvement was more likely to occur in the lower limb bones (P = 0.039), and the lower limb bones were more likely to be associated with decreased ROM (P = 0.001). Tumors involving extracompartmental bone were more likely to have decreased ROM (P = 0.003) and exhibit the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (P = 0.006).

Conclusions: Based on the rarity and significant heterogeneity of KHE patients with bone destruction, we should give full play to the role of multidisciplinary teams in addressing disease to reduce the long-term complications of KHE with bone destruction and improve the quality of life of patients.

Type of study: Prognostic Study.

Level of evidence: Level II.

Keywords: Bone destruction; Decreased range of motion; Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma; Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemangioendothelioma* / complications
  • Hemangioendothelioma* / diagnosis
  • Hemangioendothelioma* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Kasabach-Merritt Syndrome* / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Quality of Life
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi* / complications
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi* / diagnosis
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi* / therapy

Supplementary concepts

  • Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma