Description of neurological complications induced by intracranial hemangioma in infants and by the initiation of beta-blocker treatment (propranolol).

A 2-month-old infant was referred for grade 5 non-congenital unilateral peripheral facial palsy. Work-up revealed ipsilateral profound hearing loss and two intracranial hemangiomas: one in the ipsilateral internal auditory canal (IAC), the other in the cerebellum opposite the nodule of vermis. Initial treatment with a beta-blocker (propranolol 1mg/kg/day for 1month, then 3mg/kg/day) resulted in disappearance of symptoms and regression of lesions within 8weeks. At 20months after introduction of maintenance therapy (propranolol 3mg/kg/day), two asthma attacks occurred, leading to initiation of fluticasone and continuation of the beta-blocker. Thirty months after discontinuation of treatment, no further progression was noted.

Unilateral facial palsy in an infant suggests a number of diagnoses. MRI revealed IAC hemangioma. The choice of dosage and duration of treatment was based on a review of the literature and a strategy defined in multidisciplinary consultation.