Familial adenomatous polyposis associated with desmoid tumors presenting with abdominal abscess: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE: Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) associated with desmoids tumors (DTs) complicated by abscess formation is rare. The management is not easy and the choice of the best treatment may be controversial. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 33-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. He had a family history of FAP, and history of abdominal surgery. DIAGNOSES: An abdominal enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a soft tissue mass in the abdominal wall and an irregular mesenteric soft tissue mass with internal fistula and intra-abdominal abscess. A CT-guided biopsy of the abdominal wall mass revealed DTs. INTERVENTIONS: The patient was given oral antibiotics for 6 months, and ultimately underwent surgery. OUTCOMES: The patient had no evidence of recurrence on follow-up at 10 months. LESSONS: This case indicates that for patients with FAP who have a history of abdominal surgery and a progressively enlarging mass and abscess in the abdomen, it is necessary to consider the possibility of DTs. FAP-related DTs are rarely complicated by abscess formation. Antibiotic therapy plus surgical resection of the tumor may be effective and make good prognosis.