Stridor as an Initial Manifestation of Underlying PHACE Syndrome in an Infant: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review

Stridor is a common presenting complaint in infancy. Its aetiology ranges from benign to severe, life-threatening conditions. We report here a 2-month-old child who presented with respiratory distress and stridor since 20 days of life, with intermittent worsening. On examination, there was a haemangioma on the right ear lobe. A similar lesion in the airway was suspected, and flexible bronchoscopy revealed an airway haemangioma in the larynx extending up to the carina. Further workup was performed given haemangioma in the facial region that led to a diagnosis of the Posterior fossa malformations, Arterial anomalies, and Coarctation of the aorta, along with other cardiac defects and Eye abnormalities (PHACE) syndrome. Following oral propranolol, there was a significant improvement in symptoms. This case highlights that airway haemangioma should be suspected in infants presenting with stridor and haemangioma, especially in the facial area. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the child should be further evaluated for underlying PHACE syndrome.