Related Experiment Videos
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.
Sangeeta Sawant1, L Kasturi, Alpa Amin
1Department of Pediatrics, BARCH Hospital, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai, India.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|December 31, 2002
Summary
A rare intra-abdominal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) in a child presented as prolonged fever and weight loss. Surgical removal of the mesenteric mass led to complete recovery, highlighting IMT as a treatable cause of pyrexia of unknown origin.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are uncommon neoplasms with a predilection for the respiratory tract in pediatric populations.
- Intra-abdominal IMTs are less frequent, typically involving the liver, spleen, stomach, or bowel.
Observation:
- A 13-year-old female presented with a three-month history of intermittent fever and significant weight loss, initially diagnosed as pyrexia of unknown origin.
- Laparotomy revealed a mesenteric mass adherent to the ileum, approximately four feet from the iliocaecal junction.
Findings:
- Histopathological examination confirmed the mass as an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor.
- Complete surgical excision of the mesenteric IMT was performed.
Implications:
- The patient experienced complete resolution of fever and weight gain post-operatively, remaining well for ten months.
- This case underscores the importance of considering intra-abdominal IMTs in the differential diagnosis of unexplained fever and weight loss in children.
- Early diagnosis and surgical management of mesenteric IMTs can lead to favorable outcomes in pediatric patients.