Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: correlation of CT findings and pathology

Objective To evaluate CT diagnostic value for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) and to correlate CT findings with pathology.Methods CT manifestations of 14 cases of IMT were retrospectively analyzed. The patients included 8 males and 6 females, and the age ranged from 1 to 61 years. All cases were confirmed by operation and pathology. Results Among the 14 cases, the lesion located inside/nearby the paranasal sinuses in 3 cases, the lesion each occurred in breast, inside trachea, in mesentery, and in retroperitoneal space in 2 cases, and the lesion each located in left lung, inside stomach and in right leg in 1 case. The main CT signs of IMT showed as follows: The tumor presented as round or nearly round nodule or mass from 1 to 30 cm in diameter. The tumor margins were clear in 10 cases, but unclear in 4 cases. Sometimes the mass has slight lobulation. 10 cases were relatively homogeneous in density. After injecting contrast medium, 4 cases were mild enhanced and 10 cases were obviously enhanced. The central scar could be seen inside the tumor in 4 cases. The tumors were adhered to adjacent tissue in 4 cases. Neighboring organs were compressed and displaced in 9 cases. Proliferative myofibroblast and inflammatory cell infiltration could be seen pathologically. Clinical main symptom was fever. Conclusion CT findings of IMT are well corresponded with pathology. CT examination can help to make the diagnosis and differential diagnosis. It is very useful for mapping the extension of IMT and choosing the perfect treatment ways.