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Desmoid-type fibromatosis in the head and neck: CT and MR imaging characteristics

  • Head and Neck Radiology
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Abstract

Introduction

In the head and neck region, desmoid-type fibromatosis is an uncommon tumor, and the imaging features have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to describe imaging features with their pathologic correlation of desmoid-type fibromatosis in this region.

Methods

Computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images of nine consecutive patients (five women and four men; age range, 2–72 years; mean age, 28 years) with desmoid-type fibromatosis in the head and neck were retrospectively evaluated, focusing on lesion location, size, shape, presence of a rim of surrounding fat, CT attenuation, signal intensity, and enhancement characteristics on MR with pathologic correlation.

Results

Desmoid-type fibromatosis involved perivertebral space (n = 5) and carotid space (n = 1) in six adult patients. In three pediatric patients, the fibromatosis primarily involved submandibular space (n = 2) and masticator space (n = 1) with frequent invasion to the adjacent spaces (3/3). A mean greatest dimension of 5.8 cm, elongated shape (7/9), and rim of surrounding fat (8/9) were the common features of the desmoid-type fibromatosis. Tumors often showed iso (3/7) or high attenuation (3/7) on postcontrast CT, high signal intensity (6/9) on T2-weighted image, iso signal intensity (8/9) on T1-weighted image, and strong MR enhancement (8/9). Characteristic nonenhancing low signal intensity bands (8/9) on all MR sequences were well correlated with dense collagenous stroma.

Conclusions

Desmoid-type fibromatosis in the head and neck of adults frequently involves perivertebral space. Along with various common imaging features, desmoid-type fibromatosis shows characteristic nonenhancing low signal intensity bands on MR images.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank So Young Yun for her invaluable assistance in coordinating this study.

Conflict of interest

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehangno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-744, South Korea

    Jung hyo Rhim, Ji-hoon Kim, Chul-Ho Sohn, Seung Hong Choi, Tae Jin Yun & Kee-Hyun Chang

  2. Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea

    Kyung Chul Moon

  3. Department of Radiology, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea

    Sun-Won Park

  4. Department of Radiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea

    Sun-Won Park

  5. Department of Radiology, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, South Korea

    Kee-Hyun Chang

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  1. Jung hyo Rhim
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Correspondence to Ji-hoon Kim.

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Rhim, J.h., Kim, Jh., Moon, K.C. et al. Desmoid-type fibromatosis in the head and neck: CT and MR imaging characteristics. Neuroradiology 55, 351–359 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-012-1037-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-012-1037-5

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