Desmoid tumor MRI

Desmoid tumor Microchapters
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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:
  • T1-weighted images:
    • • Desmoids may be hypointense or isointense to muscle
  • T2-weighted images:
    • Predominantly hyperintense (T2 hyperintensity may diminish over time as tumor cellularity decreases and collagen deposition increases)
    • Hypointense bands may be seen that represent dense collections of collagen bundles
    • With gadolinium administration
      • Desmoids typically show moderate to marked enhancement
      • Hypointense bands may become more apparent because collagen bundles are not enhanced by contrast material

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  MRI of desmoid tumor