Desmoid tumor MRI

Desmoid tumor Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Desmoid tumor from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
CT
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sara Mohsin, M.D.[2]Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [3]

Overview

Abdominal MRI may be diagnostic of desmoid tumor. On MRI, desmoid tumor is characterized by dense cellularity and loss of signal following fat saturation.

MRI

• MRI is required in order to:
  • Define the relationship of the tumor to adjacent structures
  • Assess resectability
  • Find out the need for treatment
• MRI is preferred over CT, especially for truncal and extremity tumors
• MRI characteristics of desmoid tumors are variable depending on their cellularity and fibrous content:
• Desmoids may be hypointense or isointense to muscle on T1-weighted images; they are predominantly hyperintense on T2-weighted images, but hypointense bands may be seen that represent dense collections of collagen bundles [73]. T2 hyperintensity may diminish over time as tumor cellularity decreases and collagen deposition increases [74]. With the administration of gadolinium, desmoids typically show moderate to marked enhancement, and the hypointense bands may become more apparent because collagen bundles are not enhanced by contrast material [75]. Its appearance is characterized by their dense cellularity. Typical signal characteristics include:

• 

  MRI of desmoid tumor