BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most common benign vascular 
tumors of childhood. Propranolol is an effective drug in treating IH. A reliable 
and complementary instrument is necessary to evaluate IH response to propranolol 
in addition to clinical and photographic assessments. Ultrasonography is a 
simple and non-invasive technique that enables precise measurements of tumor 
size and contributes to objective follow-up.
OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the use of serial ultrasonography as an adjunctive 
tool for assessment of IH treatment with propranolol.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 19 patients with IH treated with 
propranolol was conducted from January 2009 to March 2014. Data of individual IH 
volume at the beginning and at least 6 months after the onset of treatment and 
overall volume reduction by ultrasonographic measurement were obtained.
RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant IH volume reduction of 
approximately 0.51 cm3 . This volume corresponds to an average reduction of 47% 
in the final volume compared with the initial volume.
CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic measurements contribute to demonstrate tumor 
regression and IH response to propranolol. Thus, ultrasonography is an important 
instrument to guide therapeutic strategies.