Lipoma arborescens of the bicipitoradial bursa

Case Report: Synchronous bilateral lipoma arborescens of the bicipitoradial bursa

Background: Lipoma arborescens (LA) is an infrequent benign tumor made of mature sub-synovial fatty cell proliferation that may arise into the synovial joint, the bursae or the tendon sheaths. This condition affects mainly the knee joint, but the bicipitoradial bursa is an exceptional location. We report herein a case of a synchronous bilateral (LA) of the bicipitoradial bursa. Case presentation: A 52-year-old patient, with no medical history, presented with a swelling of both front arms that had been progressing for nine years. Physical examination showed a mass in the antecubital fossae of 3cm on the left side and 0.5cm on the right side. Both masses were tender, well-defined, fixed, without inflammatory signs and painful on elbow flexion. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed, revealing the presence of a septate soft-tissue mass of the distal portion of the brachial muscle of 70x46x27mm. This mass had a heterogeneous fat signal in its depth and a homogeneous fat composition on the outside. The diagnosis of liposarcoma was suspected. The patient underwent surgery to remove both masses. Gross examination showed a characteristic frond-like or digitiform pattern. Microscopical examination demonstrated papillary proliferation of the synovial villi. The final diagnosis was of LA. The patient had no complications and there was no recurrence of LA. Conclusions: LA is a rare condition, and the bicipitoradial bursa is an exceptional location. Histological confirmation is mandatory to correct the diagnosis.

Arthroscopic treatment of a lipoma arborescens of the elbow: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Lipoma Arborescens is a rare pathology that mainly affects the knee. Occurrences in the elbow are even more uncommon and mainly involve the bicipitoradial bursa.

CASE'S DESCRIPTION

We describe the case of a 54-year-old patient known for rheumatoid arthritis, who consulted for chronic elbow pain associated with swelling and limited extension.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of a lipoma arborescens of the elbow involving the whole joint was made using magnetic resonance imaging and confirmed during arthroscopy.

INTERVENTIONS

After a failed nonoperative treatment consisting in intra-articular cortisone injections and physiotherapy, the patient underwent arthroscopic synovectomy and arthrolysis.

OUTCOME

At 1-year follow-up, he reported no pain, satisfactory range of motion, and major improvements in clinical scores.

CONCLUSION

This is the first illustrated case report about lipoma arborescens involving the whole elbow joint. Even though it is a rare disease, awareness of its presentation, imaging patterns, and treatment options is therefore important for clinicians, radiologists, and surgeons. In this case, arthroscopic treatment resulted in satisfactory and long-lasting pain relief and functional results. It may be considered as a safe and effective option in case of failed nonoperative measures.

Femoral osteochondroma responsible for ischiofemoral impingement, bursitis, and secondary lipoma arborescens mimicking malignant transformation

We present the case of a 53-year-old woman with a known history of hereditary multiple exostosis disease referred for further imaging work-up after ultrasound and computed tomography leading to the suspicion of malignant transformation of an osteochondroma (exostosis) located on the posteromedial aspect of the right proximal femur. Imaging examinations suggested an ischiofemoral impingement resulting in a secondary bursitis associated with the development of an internal lipoma arborescens. This rare association explained the complexity of the diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) played a key role in correctly identifying this benign complication of the osteochondroma and in distinguishing those observations from a secondary exostotic chondrosarcoma. MRI findings were subsequently confirmed at surgery and pathological examination.