A newborn with multiple fractures as first presentation of infantile myofibromatosis

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Pediatric Radiology
• Pediatric Pathology

Background:

• Pathological fractures in infancy are uncommon, with even rarer occurrences during the neonatal period.
• Differential diagnosis for neonatal fractures includes trauma, metabolic bone disease, and genetic disorders.
• Infantile myofibromatosis is a rare benign soft tissue tumor that can involve bone.

Observation:

• A male newborn presented with a fracture of the femur metaphysis.
• Radiographic imaging revealed multiple lytic lesions throughout the bone.
• Clinical presentation suggested a pathological process rather than simple trauma.

Findings:

• The diagnosis of infantile myofibromatosis was confirmed.
• This condition, though rare, can manifest with significant skeletal involvement in neonates.
• The combination of metaphyseal fracture and lytic lesions in a neonate is a key diagnostic feature.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering rare conditions like infantile myofibromatosis in neonatal fractures with atypical features.
• Suggests the need for advanced imaging and potentially biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
• Informs pediatricians and orthopedic surgeons about a rare cause of neonatal bone pathology.