Preliminary communication: imiquimod in mixed capillary/lymphatic malformation

• Published in: Dermatologic therapy Vol. 21; no. s2; pp. S39 - S42
• Main Authors: Bongiorno, M. R., Aricò, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Malden, USA Blackwell Publishing Inc 01-09-2008
• Subjects: Adjuvants, Immunologic - administration & dosage; Adolescent; Aminoquinolines - administration & dosage; Capillaries - abnormalities; Capillaries - drug effects; Chin; endothelial cells; Facial Neoplasms - drug therapy; Hemangioma - drug therapy; Humans; imiquimod; Lymphatic Abnormalities - drug therapy; Lymphatic Vessels - abnormalities; Lymphatic Vessels - drug effects; Male; mixed capillary/lymphatic malformation
• ISSN: 1396-0296; 1529-8019
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1529-8019.2008.00232.x

The present authors reported a 14‐year‐old white boy who visited the present authors’ dermatology department in January 2004. Physical examination revealed multiple translucent and hemorrhagic vesicles and skin‐colored nodules on the chin. The lesion had grown slowly in size over the previous 7 years. The objective of this study is to estimate the exact mechanism of action of topical imiquimod on mixed capillary/lymphatic malformation. After 4 weeks of therapy the lesions were less protuberant. At the follow‐up examination after a further 2 months of therapy, there was partial clinical regression of the capillary component with a return to normal skin color. One month after termination of therapy the lesions had completely regressed and there was no evidence of recurrence of the hemangiomatous section. The present authors’ case suggests the efficacy of the use of topical imiquimod and this therapeutic modality may be of particular benefit in superficial type of capillary/lymphatic malformation, in which the destructive intervention may be undesirable.