Aggressive infantile myofibromatosis with intestinal involvement

Abstract

Background Infantile myofibromatosis (IM) is the most common cause of multiple fibrous tumors in infancy. Multicentric disease can be associated with life-threatening visceral lesions. Germline gain-of-function mutations in PDGFRB have been identified as the most common molecular defect in familial IM. Case presentation We here describe an infant with PDGFRB-driven IM with multiple tumors at different sites, including intestinal polyposis with hematochezia, necessitating temporary chemotherapy. Conclusions PDGFRB-driven IM is clinically challenging due to its fluctuating course and multiple organ involvement in the first years of life. Early molecular genetic analysis is necessary to consider tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment in case of aggressive visceral lesions.

A Recurrent Cheek Mass

“…In vertebral IM, pathologic fractures might affect the spinal cord [ 10 ]. On the other hand, visceral involvement in the generalized form is associated with a poorer outcome and a mortality rate reaching 76% [ 6 , 11 , 12 ]. The total mortality rate for all patients with IM is around 4.5%, with cardio-respiratory failure, sepsis, pulmonary hemorrhage, gastrointestinal obstruction, and cerebral hemorrhage being the main reported causes of death [ 10 ].…”