Rapidly Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (RICH)

A rapidly involuting congenital hemangioma (RICH) is present at birth and, as the name implies, goes through rapid regression, which may result in the hemangioma disappearing completely. This progression typically completes before the child turns two. Research into the cause of RICH is currently ongoing, so there is no definitive answer as to what causes the condition at this time.

Rapidly Involuting Congenital Hemangioma (RICH) Treatment

There are treatment options available for RICH, which are largely dictated by the size and location of the lesion. A RICH does not generally require removal unless complications arise which put the child’s health at risk, such as bleeding or eruption through the surface of the skin. Even when a RICH disappears without intervention, it can result in large sections of loose skin that may require surgical intervention to tighten. In rare cases, there is a risk of heart problems due to the size of the lesion and complications caused by abnormal blood flow. Imaging tools are typically used to monitor a RICH to ensure that your child remains in good health until the lesion regresses.

There are some distinct differences between a congenital hemangioma and infantile hemangioma that are important to note. A congenital hemangioma is present at birth, with a chance of diagnosis taking place during pregnancy using ultrasound. The lesion has typically completed its growth cycle by the time your child is born or will only continue to show proportionate growth as the child gets older. Congenital hemangiomas either go through a rapid (RICH) period of shrinking, or not at all (NICH).

Infantile hemangiomas typically become visible between two weeks and four months old. They grow rapidly for up to a year, are more common than congenital hemangioma (occurring in 5 females for every 1 male) and are significantly slow to shrink when compared with the rapid cycle of a RICH. The Vascular Birthmark Center is able to accurately diagnose each type and recommend treatment accordingly.

Have you been given conflicting information about your child’s hemangiomas? If so, you should consult with specialists from the Vascular Birthmark Center today. Use our free online consultation, or pick up the phone and call for a more personal conversation.