Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the hepatobiliary system: report of MR imaging appearance in four patients

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to describe the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of hepatic inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT). Two observers retrospectively analyzed images from six MR imaging examinations in four consecutive patients. Tumor location, size, extent, morphology, and number; signal intensity on nonenhanced images; enhancement pattern on serial gadolinium-enhanced images; duct wall thickness; and presence of biliary dilatation, vascular invasion, and lymphadenopathy were assessed. MR imaging findings were compared with histologic findings. On MR images, hepatic IMT manifested as a mass-like lesion in two patients and an area of periportal soft-tissue infiltration in three; one patient had both patterns. Because periportal infiltration is a common feature in both IMT and other malignant tumors of the porta hepatis, histologic examination should be considered before diagnosis and treatment.