Imaging of Desmoid Fibromatosis in Pediatric Patients

Aggressive Fibromatosis of the Chest Wall

“…[1][2][3] The time scales for development of fibromatoses may be variable and may be related to the ages of the patients and locations of the lesions. [1][2][3][4][5] As seen in this particular young woman, a painful growing chest wall mass was noticed for 2 years. Although less common, tumor insinuation of the subcutaneous fat, rib erosion, intrathoracic extension, and involvement of the brachial plexus and axillary vessels have been reported.…”

“…1,2 The morphologic appearances of EAF on MRI and sonography may be variable. 3,5 The heterogeneous MRI appearance of EAF on T1-and T2-weighted images with a standard pulse sequence (such as a spin echo sequence) likely corresponds to the varying proportions of cellular tissue, myxoid tissue (high water content and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images), and fibrocollagen (low signal intensity with all pulse sequences) in the lesion. In addition, the degree of enhancement is related to the abundance of capillaries between the fibrocollagenous tissues.…”

“…In addition, the degree of enhancement is related to the abundance of capillaries between the fibrocollagenous tissues. [3][4][5][6] On the other hand, increased amounts of mature fibrocollagen, decreased cellularity, and hypovascularity with a decrement of echogenic interfaces leading to decreased echogenicity have also been reported. 3,7,8 A fascial tail pattern denoting linear tumor extension along the fascial plane has been described as a characteristic feature of EAF on MRI.…”

Desmoid tumours of the extremities and trunk: a review of the literature

“…Radiographs show either a non-specific soft tissue mass or a soft tissue swelling or no evidence of abnormality although positive findings are seen in the presence of bone involvement due to local infiltration causing bone erosion, periosteal reaction, deformation, or bowing of bone. Invasion of the medullary canal is rarely seen [8]. Computer tomography (CT) provides evidence of the extent and anatomical relationships of the tumour although findings are non-specific.…”

“…Contrast scans contribute to the evaluation of the anatomical relations of the tumour with major vessels. In such cases, angiography can be helpful [8].…”