Abscess formation in desmoid tumors of Gardner's syndrome and percutaneous drainage: A report of three cases

Abstract

Abdominal pain and fever in patients with Gardner's syndrome and desmoids is suggestive of abscess formation in these tumors. Percutaneous drainage is useful as initial management.

Mesenteric desmoid tumour masquerading as a fat-containing cystic mass

“…Cavitation resulting from abscess formation can occur in MDT, giving rise to the appearance of a cystic mass on CT [2,16]. However, this case differs in that MDT is not known to contain a conspicuous amount of fat density on CT (Figure 1).…”

“…Mesenteric desmoid tumour (MDT) is a form of intra-abdominal desmoid tumour with the classic CT appearance of a homogeneous solid soft-tissue mass, displacing surrounding structures and vasculature. Atypical CT appearance such as cystic change (due to abscess formation) is rare [2,3]. We report a uniquely unusual case of a ruptured, infected MDT presenting as a fat-containing cystic mass.…”

“…Symptoms from MDT can arise owing to local pressure and obstruction of the bowel or its blood supply [6]. Retroperitoneal extension of MDT can cause hydronephrosis [1], and abscess formation with rupture is rare [2]. The pathogenesis of desmoid tumour is unknown, but links have been made to hormonal, genetic and traumatic factors (e.g.…”

Desmoid Tumor Presenting as Intra-Abdominal Abscess

“…Thus, they can obstruct the intestine and ureters (4). Rarely, they can be complicated with intratumor abscess formation, which may be secondary, after surgical procedures, or spontaneous, as a result of intestinal wall ischemia from tumor enlargement (2). Moreover, there are a few cases in the literature with invasion of desmoid tumor into the bowel wall, which results in fistula formation and translocation of intestinal bacteria to the tumor (2, 3).…”

“…These tumors may arise at any site in the body and only infrequently present as intra-abdominal abscesses communicating with the bowel (2,3). We report a rare case of intestinal wall desmoid tumor with intratumor abscess formation and fistulous communication with the large bowel.…”