Aggressive fibromatosis: evaluation by computed tomography and angiography.

Abstract

Fifteen CT scans of 13 patients who had aggressive fibromatosis were generally accurate in showing the extent of disease, although the CT definition of half or more of the margins of nine lesions was poor. Fibromatosis tumors were typically isodense or slightly hypodense with muscle when no contrast medium was used, and they enhanced to hyperdense with better delineation during infusion of contrast medium. Obliterated intermuscular planes did not always signify disease extension; the relationship to bone was often obscured by beam-hardening artifact; and small blood vessels were often invisible. Arteriograms of seven of eight patients showed some hypervascularity and helped to delineate lesions and vessels that were poorly seen on CT scans. In four instances CT findings were clearer, in two instances arteriographic findings were clearer, and twice the findings were equally clear. Three of six bone scintigrams added accurate information about involvement of adjacent bones. Since fibromatosis can microscopically infiltrate beyond the margins indicated by radiographic studies and even by direct palpation at operation, the surgeon should obtain a wide margin beyond the defined tumor limits.