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CT and MRI Features of Hairy Polyps in Neonates and Infants: A Retrospective Study of 14 Patients
Shuangfeng Yang1, Hang Li1, Jun Gao1
1Department of Radiology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China.
Background:
The typical imaging findings of hairy polyps have been described mostly in case reports. This study was conducted to describe the CT and MRI features of hairy polyps and their common associated abnormalities.
Methods:
Medical records of 14 patients with pathological diagnosis of hairy polyps were collected for this study. For each patient, the medical records, including demographics, clinical manifestations, and imaging findings were reviewed.
Results:
The female-to-male ratio was 3.7:1. The age at first episode varied from birth to 2.7 years. The masses were derived from the back side of the soft palate in seven (50.0%) cases, from the lateral pharyngeal wall in four (28.6%) cases, from the soft palate in one (7.1%) case, from the nasal vestibule in one (7.1%) case, and from the parapharyngeal space in one (7.1%) case. A total of 11 (78.6%) cases presented with pedicled masses containing fat and a central core of soft tissue, there were 3 (21.4%) cases whose imaging findings were atypical, and there were 6 (42.9%) patients who had other pathologies.
Conclusions:
Hairy polyps typically presented as pedicled masses containing fat and a central core of soft tissue, but sometimes their imaging findings can be atypical and they can be associated with other congenital abnormalities. CT and MRI are reliable methods for the diagnosis of hairy polyps and their associated abnormalities.
Insights
Hairy polyps typically appear as pedicled masses with fat and soft tissue, but imaging can be atypical. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effectively diagnose these rare growths and associated congenital abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Medical imaging
- Pediatric pathology
- Congenital abnormalities
Background:
- Hairy polyps are rare congenital tumors with limited imaging descriptions.
- Previous understanding primarily based on case reports.
- Need for comprehensive imaging feature analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of hairy polyps.
- To identify common imaging findings and associated abnormalities.
- To enhance diagnostic accuracy for hairy polyps.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 14 patients with pathologically confirmed hairy polyps.
- Analysis of medical records, including demographics, clinical data, and imaging findings.
- Correlation of imaging features with pathological diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Hairy polyps predominantly affect females (3.7:1 ratio), presenting from birth to 2.7 years.
- Typical presentation: pedicled masses with fat and central soft tissue (78.6%).
- Atypical imaging findings occurred in 21.4% of cases; 42.9% had associated pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Hairy polyps usually present as characteristic pedicled masses, but atypical imaging is possible.
- Congenital abnormalities frequently accompany hairy polyps.
- CT and MRI are reliable for diagnosing hairy polyps and associated conditions.
