Imaging findings in seven cases of congenital infantile myofibromatosis with cerebral, spinal, or head and neck involvement

Neuroradiology. 2012 Dec;54(12):1389-98. doi: 10.1007/s00234-012-1111-z. Epub 2012 Nov 16.

Abstract

Introduction: Congenital infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is a rare mesenchymal disease, presenting with tumors in the skin, muscle, viscera, bone, and subcutaneous tissue. It can present as (a) a solitary form with subcutaneous, erythematous nodules, (b) a multicentric form with subcutaneous, muscle, and/or bony lesions, and (c) a multicentric form with visceral involvement. Cerebral or spinal involvement in myofibromatosis has been reported rarely.

Methods: We report seven cases of histology-proven infantile myofibromatosis with brain, spine, and/or head and neck involvement.

Results: In three patients with multiple subcutaneous nodules, a multicentric form of IM with visceral involvement was diagnosed. In three patients, a multicentric form without visceral involvement was found. Two patients had brain involvement, and four patients had vertebral body involvement.

Conclusion: In a newborn presenting with intraparenchymal brain lesions, epidural spinal masses, and/or vertebra plana or lytic lesions of the calvarium and spine, infantile myofibromatosis should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis. The presence of subcutaneous or muscular nodules facilitates the diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Myofibromatosis / congenital*
  • Myofibromatosis / diagnosis*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*