Elastofibroma dorsi: a chest wall pseudotumor. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis.


Published online: Jun 27 1996

R Valls, P Melloni, A Darnell, and R Sanchez-Flo.

Radiology Department, Consorci Hospitalari del Parc TaulĂ­, Sabadell, Spain.

Abstract

"Elastofibroma dorsi" is a benign soft tissue mass usually arising between the chest wall and the inferior and medial aspects of the scapula. This lesion is not a true neoplasm but rather a reactive hyperplasia of elastic fibers. We present a case report of a woman with a subscapular mass, which was studied by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These are the methods of choice to study a soft tissue mass in order to define the inner structures and limits Computed tomography is helpful to guide a percutaneous biopsy, avoiding lesions to adjacent structures. Biopsy is recommended even when the imaging presentation seems typical of elastofibroma. The pathologic findings are diagnostic. No treatment is necessary in the asymptomatic patient. The treatment of choice for a symptomatic elastofibroma is local excison. There have been no reported cases of malignant transformation.