Mesenteric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), a rare neoplasm in a pediatric patient: imaging findings and literature review.

Abstract

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are rare neoplasms commonly classified as having "intermediate malignancy" due to their unique clinical, pathological, and molecular features. These tumors can exhibit aggressive biological behavior, including local invasion, recurrence, and, on rare occasions, distant metastasis. IMTs may arise in various anatomical locations, with the lung, mesentery, and omentum being the most frequent sites. Although IMTs can occur at any age, they are more commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. Their clinical manifestations and imaging findings are often nonspecific and may resemble malignant pathology, making diagnosis challenging. Moreover, the histopathological characteristics of IMTs can overlap with those of other conditions. In this report, we present a case of multicentric abdominal IMT in a pediatric patient and review the imaging features of abdominal IMTs in children, as documented in the limited number of available cases. Accurate differential diagnosis requires a comprehensive understanding of both the clinical presentation and radiographic features of these tumors. Radiologists should be familiar with the distinctive imaging characteristics of IMTs to ensure that this rare pathology is considered in the differential diagnosis of any abdominal mass in pediatric patients.