Cavernous haemangioma causing high-output cardiac failure in a neonate

Infantile haemangiomas are benign tumours originating from the vascular endothelium, representing one of the most common neoplasms in childhood. We present the unique occurrence of a neonate born at term with a large, cavernous haemangioma on the scalp. On the second day of life, the neonate developed high-output cardiac failure, characterised by echocardiographic findings of a dilated right atrium and right ventricle, as well as tricuspid regurgitation, without evidence of structural abnormalities or arteriovenous fistulas. The neonate also developed Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Despite optimal therapy for cardiac failure, the neonate’s condition deteriorated, leading to his unfortunate demise. An academic postmortem confirmed the presence of a cavernous haemangioma, highlighting the need for heightened awareness of atypical presentations of neonatal vascular anomalies.