title: Role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of scalp dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare tumor that grows with tentacle-like projections. In particular, on the scalp this could explain the frequent incomplete resections and the high rate of multiple local recurrences. Adequate pre- and postoperative imaging methods to visualize these prolongations are required to determine the extent of the tumor and to intercept recurrences in a short time base.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study was performed on two cases of multiple recurrent scalp DFSP. The use of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for pre- and postoperative assessment of DFSP was evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Diffusion-weighted imaging magnetic resonance imaging was able to visualize the horizontal extent of tumor prolongations in the periosteum. Also, residual tumor tissue was distinguished from scar tissue in a large area of previous surgical interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found DWI magnetic resonance imaging a valuable tool in planning the multidisciplinary therapeutic approach and follow-up of DFSP on the scalp.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Van Steenkiste
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: An
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Van Laethem
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Geert
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Biesemans
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pans
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018223:Dermatofibrosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D018365:Neoplasm, Residual; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012535:Scalp; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery