Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) of the gastrointestinal tract are rare benign neoplasms and can originate anywhere; however, the stomach and small bowel are the most common locations 1.
Please see the inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors for a broad discussion.
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Etiology
Chronic infection and previous surgery or trauma have been suggested as possible etiological factors 2.
Clinical presentation
Depending on the location and size of the gastrointestinal IMTs, clinical presentations may vary from asymptomatic to abdominal pain, dysphagia, intestinal obstruction, and anemia. They may also associated with a general inflammatory response such as fever and weight loss.
Radiological features
CT is the main radiological modality for diagnosing and evaluating the IMTs. On CT images, they usually present as relatively hypodense masses with heterogeneous enhancement and may mimic malignant tumors 1. Findings are not specific; in most cases, a biopsy or surgery is needed for a definite diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis
Treatment
Complete surgical resection is the most accepted treatment for gastrointestinal IMTs, although the recurrence rate is higher than in other locations in the body 3. Non-surgical treatments, including steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or thalidomide, also have been used.
In patients with local tumoral recurrence or incomplete surgical removal, radiotherapy may be adjunctive therapy 4.
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