Observational studyEuropean radiology2020
The value of the black fiber sign on T1-weighted images for predicting stability of desmoid fibromatosis managed conservatively.
Observational study in European radiology, 2020. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed, 4 citations in OpenAlex.
- Can MRI predict tumor behavior in desmoid-type fibromatosis during active surveillance?European radiology · 2026Article
- MRI assessment of tumor behavior in desmoid-type fibromatosis during active surveillance.European radiology · 2026Article
- MRI T1 Contrast-Enhanced Signal Intensity Is a Prognostic Indicator of Imatinib Therapy in Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis.Frontiers in oncology · 2021Article
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Authors and funding
11 authors at 3 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesIt is challenging to know at the first which patients with desmoid fibromatosis (DF) are better suited to conservative or aggressive treatment. To investigate whether the low signal intensity bundles on T1- or T2-weighted images (WI), termed the "black fiber sign (BFS)," can predict non-progressive behavior in the conservative approach.
methodsThis retrospective study included 59 patients with primary DF managed with wait-and-see approach from 2005 to 2018 and serial MR images were analyzed. Three observers blinded to the patient information verified the presence or absence of BFS on baseline T1 or T2WI. The likelihood of progression-free survival (PFS) after ascertaining the presence or absence of the BFS was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and analyzed with the log-rank test.
resultsPFS was significantly higher in cases with BFS than without BFS on T1WI (p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in PFS between cases with and without BFS on T2WI. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed that the absence of BFS on T1WI was a high-risk factor for progression (hazard ratio, 14.9; p < 0.01). Drastic tumor regression was apparent with significantly increased low-signal area in cases with BFS on T1WI. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities of BFS on T1WI were in almost-perfect agreement (κ > 0.8).
conclusionOur retrospective observational data support that presence of BFS in baseline MRI may be a predictor for progression-free survival of DF. BFS on T1WI is easily identifiable and can be utilized clinically in patients with DF. KEY POINTS: • We proposed a new imaging marker for prediction of desmoid fibromatosis progression. • The absence of black fiber sign predicted a high risk of disease progression.
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