Ruptured Infantile Myofibroma of the Head Presenting in a Neonate: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Infantile myofibroma/myofibromatosis (IM/M) is a myofibroblastic proliferative disorder often seen in infants and children. IM/M can result in congenital tumors of the head and neck and may occasionally present to the neurosurgeon.

Case description: We report a case of a solitary ruptured myofibroma of the head in a newborn patient. The lesion was initially suggestive of encephalocele. We describe the presentation and management of this patient, including relevant imaging, histopathologic evaluation, and surgical technique. We subsequently review the literature of IM/M of the head and neck, highlighting the 3 forms of the condition, each requiring a distinct management strategy.

Conclusions: Although this tumor rarely presents to the neurosurgeon, it may do so in the process of ruling out other more dangerous conditions. It is therefore important to consider this diagnosis in masses that occur in the head and neck of newborns.

Keywords: Congenital; Myofibroma; Myofibromatosis; Neonatal.