Introduction

Mesenteric fibromatosis or desmoids come under the spectrum of deep fibromatosis, which is a group of benign proliferative lesions that can infiltrate the surrounding tissues i.e. locally aggressive. They can recur also but without metastasis. Depending upon their location they are classified as-intra-abdominal or extra-abdominal.^[1]

Although there are many risk factors predisposing for mesenteric fibromatosis, but actual etiology is still unknown. The common risk factors associated are- prolonged intake of estrogen, Gardner’s syndrome and trauma. But de novo causes without any such risk factors are also known. Clinical features are generally related to the mass effect or obstruction of surrounding organs like small bowel, or ureters.^[2]

Imaging studies are not of much use when this uncommon entity has to be differentiated from other similar soft tissue tumours with malignant potential, which is a must so as to avoid unnecessary treatment.^[3]

The main line of treatment is surgical excision but some studies also recommend use of antiestrogens, non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs and cytotoxic chemotherapy.^[4]

Case Report

We report a case of 42 year male complaining of on and off abdominal pain. Outside ultrasonography revealed 10x4cm intraperitoneal mass in infracolic compartment of mesentry with differential diagnosis of primary peritoneal neoplasm and small bowel Gastro intestinal tumour (GIST). There was no significant medical or surgical history. All the hematological and biochemistry investigations, including tumour markers were within the normal limit. CT scan of abdomen showed nodular mesenteric mass near ileo-cecal junction of approximately 10x9cm² and diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumour was made. Patient underwent exploratory laprotomy. Intra-operatively a mesenteric mass measuring 10x9 cm was seen in close proximity to ileum. Mass was also seen adhered to third part of duodenum. No peritoneal or liver metastasis was seen. Excision of the mesentry along with ileum in wedge fashion was done. Duodenal wall was also excised and primarily repaired. Ileo-ascending anastomosins was done. Meanwhile lymph node was sent for frozen section, which came out to be reactive. Mesenteric mass was then sent for histopathological examination. We received a mesenteric mass, measuring 12x8x5cm, with part of intestine measuring 15cm in length. On cut section the mucosa of the intestine was intact and unremarkable. On serial sectioning, mesenteric mass showed grayish white firm growth with few dark brown areas. Focal areas also showed mucoid degeneration. On histopathological examination mesenteric esenteric mass came out to be low grade spindle cell tumour comprising of stellate fibroblastic cells embedded in myxoid and collagenous stroma with prominent blood vessels.([Figure 1], [Figure 2]) Differential diagnosis of GIST and mesenteric fibromatosis was thought of. IHC revealed CD117, CD34 and desmin to be negative and SMA to be positive. Ki67 was around 4%.([Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5], [Figure 6], [Figure 7]) The final diagnosis of mesenteric fibromatosis or desmoid was made. Beta catenin was not available so it was suggested to further confirm the diagnosis.

The patient is still under follow up and has no recurrence or complication yet.

Discussion

Mesenteric fibromatosis is a rare entity which is locally aggressive. It has a characteristic pattern of growth, where it grows rapidly in initial phases and then get stabilizes or can even regress sometimes. It can occur in two forms sporadically or associated with syndromes like familial adenomatosis polyposis coli (FAP), Gardener syndrome, and bilateral ovarian fibromatosis. There are some risk factors associated with this tumour, which include trauma, previous abdominal surgery, pregnancy and estrogen therapy.^[5]

Histopathological picture of desmoid fibromatosis shows proliferation of well differentiated fibroblasts with intercellular collagen, without nuclear atypia, invasion and distant metastasis. The tumor is locally aggressive and has common tendency to recur.^[6] Imaging techniques are not of much use when we have to differentiate between GIST and mesenteric fibromatosis. It is the immunohistochemistry which can conclude the diagnosis. If Bcatenin and SMA come out to be positive then it favors mesenteric fibromatosis and if DOG1, CD117, PDGFRA or CD34 come positive then it favors GIST.^[7]

The main treatment modality is surgical resection in most of the cases, if the root of mesentry is not involved. Sometimes large tumours may cause intestinal obstruction thus leading to mesenteric ischemia.^[8] Other than surgical resection other treatments include hormonal therapy-tamoxifen, interferon, NSAIDs and chemotherapy, especially when chances of local recurrence are high as seen in Gardner syndrome, if patient is unfit of surgery or multiple comorbidities are there in the patient.^[9]

Conclusion

We report this case of mesenteric fibromatosis, not only because of its rarity but also because it poses a clinical and radiological challenge which can be sorted with the help of ancillary techniques like immunohistochemistry.

Source of Funding

None.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.