About infantile myofibromatosis (im)

What is infantile myofibromatosis (im)?

Congenital generalized fibromatosis (CGF) is a pediatric condition that is often now referred to as "infantile myofibromatosis" (IM). It is characterized by the formation of single or multiple noncancerous (benign) tumors that appear to be derived from cells forming certain supporting and binding tissues of the body and involuntary (smooth) muscle. These firm, nodular, potentially locally invasive tumors may involve the skin and underlying (subcutaneous) tissues, muscle tissue, bones, and/or certain internal organs (viscera).

In many cases, the tumors are present at birth (congenital), develop within the first few weeks of life, or may initially become apparent before the age of two years. Following initial growth and multiplication (proliferation) of tumor cells, the tumors usually eventually recede and disappear on their own (spontaneously). Those with solitary or multiple lesions without visceral involvement typically have a benign disease course. However, in infants with severe or widespread involvement of vital internal organs (i.e., multicentric, visceral involvement), potentially life-threatening complications may occur.

What are the symptoms for infantile myofibromatosis (im)?

T symptom was found in the infantile myofibromatosis (im) condition

More than 90% of cases of juvenile myofibromatosis have onset in infancy, although the disorder can first present later in childhood or less often in adults. The tumors can continue to develop throughout an individual’s life.

The specific symptoms of infantile myofibromatosis are broad, and the severity can vary. Some infants have mild disease that resolves on its own without treatment (spontaneous regression). Others develop extensive disease that involves internal organs and can cause life-threatening complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to note that affected individuals may not have all of the symptoms discussed below and that every individual case is unique. Parents should talk to their child’s physician and medical team about their specific case, associated symptoms and overall prognosis.

The tumors or Lesions that characterize infantile myofibromatosis are usually seen as firm, flesh or purple covered Bumps (nodules) on the skin or just underneath the top layer of the skin (subcutaneous layer). These superficial Lesions may be freely movable; deeper Lesions are generally immobile. Skin Lesions may be crusted or hardened (indurated). The Lesions are usually not painful or tender. The overlying skin may be discolored red or purple and ulcerated. Lesions are also commonly found in muscle, soft tissue and bone, and very rarely the internal organs.

Although the tumors that characterize infantile myofibromatosis do not spread (metastasize), they can grow large enough to damage or compress nearby structures in the body. Pain, which occurs when tumors press against adjacent nerves, can develop. In some cases, tumor growth can also cause bone destruction, disfigurement, and even physical limitations.

Infantile myofibromatosis is sometimes broken down into separate types, specifically solitary, multicentric, and multicentric with visceral involvement.

The solitary form is most common, accounting for approximately 75% of cases of infantile myofibromatosis. This form occurs predominantly in males and is characterized by one nodule or lesion that most commonly occurs in the skin, often extending into subcutaneous tissue and/or muscle tissue. The nodule is usually found in the head, neck or trunk areas. A solitary nodule of the bone can also occur, but is extremely rare.

The multicentric forms are more common in females. The multicentric form without visceral involvement is characterized by multiple Nodules that can arise in different areas of the skin, subcutaneous tissue or muscle. The multicentric form with visceral involvement is the most severe form of the disorder and is characterized by multiple growths of the skin, muscles, and bones along with the involvement of the internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, only one organ may be involved; in other cases visceral involvement is widespread. This form of infantile myofibromatosis can cause severe, life-threatening complications depending upon the exact location of the lesion and the specific organs involved.

What are the causes for infantile myofibromatosis (im)?

Most cases of infantile myofibromatosis are believed to occur spontaneously and without a known family history of the disorder. In these cases, the underlying cause of the disorder is unknown. Rare cases of myofibromatosis have been identified that run in families, and mutations in two genes have been identified as causing the disorder in some cases. These genes are the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) gene and the neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 3 (NOTCH3) gene.

Genes provide instructions for creating proteins that play a critical role in many functions of the body. When a mutation of a gene occurs, the protein product may be faulty, inefficient, or absent. Depending upon the functions of the particular protein, this can affect the body.

Infantile myofibromatosis caused by mutations in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PGDFRB) gene is passed from one generation to the next following autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Dominant genetic disorders occur when only a single mutation (affecting one of the two copies of the relevant gene) is necessary for the disease to manifest. The disease causing genetic change can be inherited from either parent or can occur new (de novo) in the affected individual. Genetic testing of the child and both parents can differentiate these two possibilities. The risk of passing the genetic change from an individual who carries the mutation to a child is 50% (or 1 in 2) for each pregnancy, regardless of the sex of the child. In de novo cases when the genetic change was not inherited from the mother or the father, there is a very low chance the parents will have another affected child.

Autosomal dominant forms of infantile myofibromatosis may manifest slightly differently in different members of the family who carry the same mutation. Not all family members will have myofibromas in exactly the same place or at exactly the same age.

Mutations in the NOTCH3 gene have been described in one family with myofibromatosis and in this case the inheritance is believed to be autosomal recessive. Recessive genetic disorders occur when an individual inherits 2 mutations in the same gene, one from each parent. If a person carries a mutation in one of the two copies of the relevant gene, the person is a carrier and generally does not manifest symptoms of the condition. The risk for two carrier parents to both pass on the mutation and have an affected child is 25% for each pregnancy, regardless of the sex of the child.

What are the treatments for infantile myofibromatosis (im)?

The treatment of infantile myofibromatosis is directed toward the specific symptoms in each individual. Treatment may require the coordinated efforts of a team of specialists. Pediatricians, orthopedists, dermatologists, and other healthcare professionals may need to work together to plan a child’s treatment.

Genetic counseling is recommended for families. Psychosocial support for the entire family is essential as well.

There are no standardized treatment protocols or guidelines for affected individuals. Due to the rarity of the disease, there are no treatment trials that have been conducted on a large group of patients. Experiences with various treatments have been reported in the medical literature in single case reports or small series of patients. Treatment trials would be very helpful to determine the long-term safety and efficacy of specific medications and treatments for individuals with infantile myofibromatosis.

Specific therapeutic procedures and interventions may vary, depending on the size, number and location(s) of the lesion(s) and symptoms. Decisions concerning the use of particular drug regimens, surgical treatments and/or other treatments should be made by physicians and other members of the health care team in careful consultation with the patient based on the specifics of his or her case; a thorough discussion of the potential benefits and risks, including possible side effects and long-term effects, patient preferences, and other appropriate factors.

In many cases, infantile myofibromatosis lesions go away on their own without treatment (spontaneous remission). The initial treatment option for many individuals is watchful waiting and observation with appropriate patient education. Watchful waiting or “wait and watch” refers to when physicians follow certain patients with infantile myofibromatosis (i.e. those without visceral involvement or problematic symptoms) without giving treatment until progression of the disease occurs. This allows some people to avoid undergoing surgery or other treatment options for many years or all together in cases with eventual spontaneous remission.

The main treatment option for individuals with infantile myofibromatosis is surgery, which is performed to prevent complications or improve prognosis. Surgical removal of lesions is reserved for cases where there is involvement of internal organs (viscera), symptomatic lesions, or lesions that present an immediate threat due to their location near vital organs and/or if they have shown progression. In approximately 10% of cases, lesions may recur after surgery.

Chemotherapy may be used to treat cases where there is involvement of the internal organs and surgery was unsuccessful (i.e. lesions recur) or where surgery is not possible (unresectable) due to the location of the lesions (e.g. too close to a vital organ). Affected children have been successfully treated with a combination of methotrexate and vinblastine. In other cases, interferon alfa or a combination of vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide have also been used successfully, but may be reserved for individuals with rapid progression of symptoms.

What are the risk factors for infantile myofibromatosis (im)?

Infantile myofibromatosis affects males and females in equal numbers. Some reports have noted that males are affected more often by the solitary form and females are affected more often by multicentric forms. The exact incidence is unknown, but is estimated to be between 1 in 150,000 to 400,000 live births, reported in different ethnic and geographical groups. Because cases of this rare condition can go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, determining the true frequency in the general population is difficult. Although rare, infantile myofibromatosis is the most common fibrous tissue tumor in infancy and early childhood.

Is there a cure/medications for infantile myofibromatosis (im)?

Each patient's unique symptoms are targeted in the treatment of Infantile Myofibromatosis (IM).

  • Surgery is the primary treatment for people with infantile myofibromatosis, and it is carried either to lessen the risk of complications or increase prognosis.
  • The coordinated efforts of a group of professionals may be necessary throughout treatment.
  • To arrange a child's treatment, pediatricians, orthopedists, dermatologists, and other medical specialists may have to collaborate.
  • For those who are impacted, there are no established therapy regimens or recommendations.
  • No therapy trials have been carried out on a sizable patient population due to the disease's rarity.
  • In a single case report or a limited series of patient reports, experiences with various treatments have been documented in the medical literature.
  • To ascertain the long-term efficacy and safety of particular drugs and treatments for people with infantile myofibromatosis, treatment trials would be highly beneficial.
  • Infantile myofibromatosis lesions frequently disappear on their own without the need for therapy (spontaneous remission). •Many patients choose cautious waiting and observation as their first course of treatment, along with the necessary patient education.
  • Patients with infantile myofibromatosis who do not have visceral involvement or troubling symptoms are monitored by doctors in a process known as "watchful waiting" or "wait and watch" until the disease progresses.
  • This enables some patients to postpone surgery or other forms of treatment for several years or even forever in circumstances where spontaneous remission occurs eventually.


Symptoms
Firm, flesh or purple covered lesions on the skin or just underneath the top layer of the skin,The overlying skin may be discolored red or purple and ulcerated,Lesions are also found in muscle, soft tissue and bone
Conditions
Hair abnormality,Enteropathy
Drugs
A combination of methotrexate and vinblastine,Interferon alfa or a combination of vincristine, actinomycin D, and cyclophosphamide,Surgery,Chemotherapy

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