A Rare Case of Aggressive Fibromatosis Infiltrating Dorsal Muscles in a 6-Year-Old Patient – CT, MRI and Elastography Evaluation

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundThe term fibromatosis or desmoid tumor refers to a group of benign fibrous growths without metastatic potential but with a significant risk of local recurrence. These lesions typically present infiltrative growth pattern with local invasion of adjacent tissues. This tendency is the reason for a relatively high rate of local recurrence, even after surgical removal. Fibromatosis is a very rare condition in general population but occurs more frequently in one of the familial cancer predispositions known as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Gardner syndrome. There are two main groups of fibromatosis: superficial (small, slow-growing lesions) and deep, also known as aggressive fibromatosis (large, rapid-growing lesions).Case ReportWe report a case of a 6-year-old boy suffering from an aggressive form of fibromatosis. The patient developed a large pathological mass extending from the neck to the loins. After incisional biopsy and histpoathological examination of the sample, a diagnosis of aggressive fibromatosis was established. During the whole diagnostic process, different imaging techniques including CT, MRI and sonoelastography were used. As the surgical treatment was not possible, the patient was finally qualified for chemotherapy.ConclusionsEventual diagnosis of aggressive fibromatosis is based on histopathological examination. However, it is an important condition that should be included in differential diagnosis of soft-tissue masses found in diagnostic imaging. Radiologists should be careful especially in defining the margins of infiltration in case of potential surgical treatment.

Evaluation of Elastic Stiffness in Healing Achilles Tendon After Surgical Repair of a Tendon Rupture Using In Vivo Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography

“…Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive ultrasonographic imaging technique introduced in 2002 [ 10 ], which has the advantage of being operator-independent, reproducible, and quantitative [ 11 ]. Currently, the SWE method has been used to detect quantitative and qualitative information in the normal and pathologic Achilles tendon [ 12 , 13 ]. However, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no report assessing the mechanical properties of a repaired Achilles tendon after surgery.…”

Desmoid Tumors: A Clear Perspective or a Persisting Enigma? A Case Report and Review of Literature

“…Although desmoid tumors most commonly arise from the rectus abdominis muscle in postpartum women and in scars due to abdominal surgery, they may arise in any skeletal muscle. Desmoid tumors tend to infiltrate adjacent muscle bundles, frequently entrapping them and causing their degeneration [ 7 ]. They may be derived from mesenchymal stem cells [ 8 ].…”

The Split Cord Syndrome: A Rare Case Report of Diastematomyelia

“…It is also associated with cutaneous symptoms such as a dimple, hair patch, etc. which further aids in the diagnosis of diastematomyelia (2). Most cases are diagnosed in early childhood when the child starts to complain of lower back pain, scoliosis, lower limb weakness and paresthesia.…”