The presentation and management of fibromatosis colli

We conducted a systematic chart review to identify all infants with fibromatosis colli who had been seen at Children's Hospital in Boston from January 1999 through December 2004. We found 7 such cases, which involved 4 boys and 3 girls, aged 1 to 3.5 weeks at presentation. We compiled information on each patient's birth history, presenting signs and symptoms, significant medical history, imaging findings, management, follow-up, and outcome. Six of the 7 patients presented with a neck mass, and the remaining patient presented with neck "fullness." Five patients developed torticollis at some point. All patients were treated conservatively with physiotherapy. Five patients experienced a complete resolution of signs and symptoms, and the other 2 experienced improvement. Based on our findings, we recommend that early management of fibromatosis colli include observation and physiotherapy to prevent or reverse torticollis and the craniofacial asymmetry that can result. Similarly attractive is the opportunity that physiotherapy provides for parents to involve themselves in the care of their newborn. It is important, therefore, to quickly identify fibromatosis colli as such in order to avoid unnecessary expenditures of resources and to promptly begin conservative treatment.