Overview
Congenital liver hemangioma (also called congenital hepatic hemangioma) is a benign (non-cancerous) blood vessel tumor found in the liver that is present at birth. This condition is now considered an obsolete classification in some medical databases, as it has been reclassified or merged into broader categories of infantile hepatic hemangiomas or vascular tumors of the liver. These growths are made up of abnormally formed blood vessels within the liver tissue. In many cases, they are discovered before birth on prenatal ultrasound or shortly after birth during routine imaging. Congenital liver hemangiomas can vary widely in size and number. Some babies have a single small hemangioma that causes no symptoms and shrinks on its own over time. Others may have large or multiple hemangiomas that can lead to serious complications, including heart failure (because the abnormal blood vessels can shunt large amounts of blood), low platelet counts (a condition called Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon), bleeding, or compression of nearby organs. Some babies may develop an enlarged abdomen, difficulty feeding, or breathing problems due to the size of the tumor pressing on the diaphragm. Treatment depends on the size, number, and symptoms caused by the hemangioma. Many small, asymptomatic hemangiomas require only monitoring with regular imaging. For symptomatic cases, treatments may include medications such as propranolol or corticosteroids to help shrink the tumor, embolization (blocking blood flow to the tumor), or in rare cases, surgery. Most congenital liver hemangiomas have a favorable outcome, especially when detected and managed early.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Enlarged abdomen or abdominal swellingA mass or lump felt in the abdomenHeart failure symptoms in newborns (rapid breathing, poor feeding)Low platelet count leading to easy bruising or bleedingDifficulty feedingBreathing problems due to pressure on the diaphragmPale or bluish skin colorRapid heart rateFailure to gain weight or grow properlyJaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)Anemia (low red blood cell count)Liver enlargement
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Neonatal
Begins at or shortly after birth (first 4 weeks)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
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Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How large is the hemangioma and is it a single tumor or are there multiple ones?,Is the hemangioma affecting my baby's heart or other organs?,Does my baby need treatment now, or can we safely monitor it with imaging?,What are the risks and benefits of propranolol or other medications for my baby?,How often will my baby need follow-up imaging, and for how long?,What warning signs should I watch for at home that would require emergency care?,What is the expected timeline for the hemangioma to shrink or resolve?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma
What is OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma?
Congenital liver hemangioma (also called congenital hepatic hemangioma) is a benign (non-cancerous) blood vessel tumor found in the liver that is present at birth. This condition is now considered an obsolete classification in some medical databases, as it has been reclassified or merged into broader categories of infantile hepatic hemangiomas or vascular tumors of the liver. These growths are made up of abnormally formed blood vessels within the liver tissue. In many cases, they are discovered before birth on prenatal ultrasound or shortly after birth during routine imaging. Congenital liver
How is OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma inherited?
OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma typically begin?
Typical onset of OBSOLETE: Congenital liver hemangioma is neonatal. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.