Sporadic intra-abdominal desmoid tumor: a unusual presentation

Abstract

Desmoid tumors are rare potentially aggressive benign tumors. Various etiologies and recurrent factors have been presented and discussed. A case of an abdominal desmoid tumor with vascular mesenteric invasion in a 32-year-old female, over 2 years after pregnancy is presented. Pre-operative biopsy was not contributive, diagnosis was made after surgery. Resection required two vascular bypasses. Desmoid tumors appear frequently in women of child-bearing age (during or after pregnancy), hormonal signaling is probably involved, but pathways remain unknown. Multiple predictive factors of recurrence are discussed but not strongly identified due to underpowered studies: resection margins, age, sex, tumor's size and location. Recent development is in favor of a non-aggressive treatment such as 'wait and see' procedures. Without radical treatment, these tumors could generate bowel compression or perforation. Due to their location and high risk of complication, surgery is the most fitted option.

Figure 1:

Enhanced CT scan (arterial time) showing the tumor and its relations to the superior mesenteric artery (blue arrows).

Figure 2:

Intra-operative view: the tumor is invading mesenteric artery (red loop) and vein (blue loop) imposing their resection.