Imaging Appearance of Diffuse Neurofibroma

Abstract

Diffuse neurofibroma frequently grows as a plaquelike or infiltrative lesion involving the skin and subcutaneous tissues. Prominent internal vascularity is common. There is a much wider soft-tissue and age distribution and association with neurofibromatosis than previously reported.

Imaging Findings of Head and Neck Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans

“…45,46 Plexiform neurofibromas tend to be asymmetric and diffuse, whereas DFSP most commonly is nodular. 47,48 Clinically, patients with plexiform neurofibromas have neurofibromatosis type 1. Nodular fasciitis can be indistinguishable from DFSP by imaging.…”

Hemifacial mass with extensive intralesional ossification and fat

“…1 On the basis of growth pattern, these tumours have been classified into three subtypes: localized, diffuse and plexiform, diffuse being the least common. 2 Conventionally, diffuse neurofibromas are believed to involve head and neck regions in young adults and children. 3 Neurofibromatosis-1 reportedly occurs in approximately 10% of patients with diffuse neurofibroma.…”

“…There may or may not be other associated stigmata of neurofibromatosis. 2 Only a few studies are centred on the imaging appearance of diffuse neurofibroma. 2,5 On ultrasound, these appear as subcutaneous hyperechoic masses with interspersed hypoechoic interconnecting tubular strands.…”

“…2 Only a few studies are centred on the imaging appearance of diffuse neurofibroma. 2,5 On ultrasound, these appear as subcutaneous hyperechoic masses with interspersed hypoechoic interconnecting tubular strands. 5 On MRI, typically diffuse neurofibromas are plaque-like infiltrating masses involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue characterized by the presence of linear or reticular strands.…”

Soft Tissue Masses Showing Low Signal Intensity on T2-weighted Images: Correlation with Pathologic Findings

“…Diffuse type is a poorly defined lesion that spreads along connective tissue septa and surrounds rather than destroys adjacent normal structures. Skin and subcutaneous tissue involvement was most typical (15). They often show predominant low SI on T2WIs, may be related to the high collagen content of these lesions (13).…”