Elastofibroma Dorsi: Case Report with Point of Care Ultrasound Primary Care Applications

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is an uncommon, benign, slow-growing soft tissue tumor with an unclear etiology. The growth often presents as a local deformity with mild pain or discomfort in the subscapular region of geriatric populations. The following paper discusses a 73 year old female with mildly painful ED who presented to her primary care physician. We further review current literature on epidemiology, utilization of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) and treatment options.

Snapping Scapula Syndrome in the Setting of Elastofibroma Dorsi: A Case Report

A 54-year-old woman presented with a 15-year history of progressively worsening left snapping scapula syndrome (SSS) in the setting of ipsilateral elastofibroma dorsi. Her pain was refractory to multiple conservative measures. She was successfully treated with focal ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection to the superomedial border of the scapula. There was demonstrable improvement in findings between pre- and post-procedural MRI examinations. Despite the underlying cause of SSS, trials of nonoperative treatment techniques are warranted before considering surgical options. Focal ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection, in conjunction with physiotherapy, is one such example.

Elastofibroma Dorsi, a Rare Condition, with Challenging Diagnosis. Case Report and Literature Review

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is known as a particular clinical and biological entity. We report a case of a bilateral elastofibroma dorsi (ED) in a 65-year-old female who presented to the Department of General and Oncologic Surgery of Emergency Clinical Municipal Hospital Timisoara, Romania. The patient was symptomatic on the right side, presenting pain in the interscapulothoracic region associated with a variable tumoral mass, dependent on the position of the right arm. Imaging studies revealed a well-defined, bilateral tumoral mass with alternation of the muscular and fatty tissue. The initial diagnosis of lipoma was taken into consideration based on the CT scan and clinical findings. Surgical excision of the right subscapular tumor was performed without any postoperative complications. Microscopic examination of hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and orcein stained slides revealed the diagnosis of ED. Considering the high rate of reported postoperative complications and the asymptomatic presentation of the contralateral subscapular mass, the patient underwent clinical and imagistic monitoring for the contralateral tumor. Due to its rare nature, ED is a difficult preoperative diagnosis that can, however, be suggested by its specific location and may require an accurate histopathological examination for a final diagnosis.