Management of Middle Ear Hemangiomas

Hemangioma rarely presents as an isolated middle ear lesion. Because congenital hemangiomas usually regress spontaneously, surgical excision is not always necessary. However, a hemangioma in the middle ear can be complicated by infection and hearing impairment. We present 2 cases to show contrasting management strategies, both with successful outcomes. Two children who presented with unilateral otitis media were found to have concomitant mesotympanic hemangiomas on examination. The first child was asymptomatic and subsequently had an incisional biopsy, confirming the suspected diagnosis. The residual tumor then involuted over the following year. The second child, however, developed chronic otitis media refractory to medical therapy and required surgical removal of the entire hemangioma. Once a tissue diagnosis is made, middle ear hemangiomas can be managed expectantly (ie, wait for spontaneous resolution) or surgically. If growth of a middle ear hemangioma appears to be causing complications refractory to conservative therapy, then early surgical excision may be indicated. (Am J Otolaryngol 2001;22:362-366. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company)