Differential Diagnosis of Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans: Clinical Values of High-resolution DCE-MRI

Abstract

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a type of intermediately malignant cutaneous spindle cell neoplasms, which is easy to be confused with several benign ones even after needle biopsy, especially cellular fibrous histiocytoma (cFH), resulting in inadequate excision and local recurrence. We found that as a novel skin imaging technique, high-resolution (HR) DCE MRI could distinguish DFSP. The features include infiltration of surrounding fat, ill-defined margins and large quantitative parameters. Both DFSP and cFH have type-III time-signal intensity curves (TICs). In contrast, other confused lesions presented type-II-or-I TIC. The recommendation of preoperative HR-MRI could assist dermatologists to perform surgical plan more confidently.