Pediatric skull inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: a rare case report and literature review

Childs Nerv Syst. 2024 Nov;40(11):3829-3835. doi: 10.1007/s00381-024-06512-7. Epub 2024 Jun 25.

Abstract

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) represent rare neoplasms, particularly infrequent in the pediatric skull. We present a novel case of a newborn male with a 5 cm right temporal mass and discuss current diagnostic and treatment options for IMTs. A multidisciplinary effort to surgically remove the lesion was successful, and the patient's skull defect healed without neurological deficits. The etiology of IMTs remains elusive, with proposed associations with chromosomal mutations in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. Surgical excision remains the primary treatment for IMTs. Promising pharmacological treatments, like Crizotinib, warrant further research into understanding potential alternatives in IMT management.

Keywords: Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) expression; Craniofacial; Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors (IMT); Pediatric skull lesion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue* / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue* / genetics
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue* / pathology
  • Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue* / surgery
  • Skull / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull / pathology
  • Skull / surgery
  • Skull Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Skull Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skull Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skull Neoplasms / surgery