Elastofibroma dorsi: a case report with an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies

Rare rectal elastofibroma: diagnostic challenges and case report

Elastofibroma (EF) is a rare soft tissue tumor that typically occurs in the scapular region, with its occurrence in the rectum being extremely uncommon. In this report, we present a case of rectal EF in a 72-year-old female, which was definitively diagnosed through histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and special staining analyses. This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges posed by rectal EF and underscores the necessity of histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment in distinguishing it from other spindle cell neoplasms, particularly when imaging findings are inconclusive.

Elastofibroma dorsi: a case report of bilateral occurrence and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a benign slow growing soft tissue tumor that is most frequently located subscapular. The prevalence is estimated to be 2% on imaging studies in individuals over 60 years old and might occur bilaterally. The etiology, however, remains unclear.

CASE PRESENTATION

This report presents the case of a man with bilateral ED. He first presented at the age of 49 with a subscapular ED on the right side and again at the age of 53 with a subscapular ED on the left side. At both times, diagnosis of ED was histopathologically confirmed after surgical resection. And, again at both times, the postoperative course was characterized by seroma development.

DISCUSSION

This report shows a brief review of literature on ED. It contains a summary of the current data on prevalence, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, histopathological findings, surgical treatment and postoperative management. It also includes a flowchart for diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

CONCLUSIONS

ED might present bilaterally, though not necessarily affecting both sides simultaneously. In order to diagnose ED MRI is ought to be sufficient. Invasive procedures, i.e. complete surgical excision, are mandatory to treat symptomatic ED, although such surgical procedures are often complicated by seroma formation.

Elastofibroma dorsi: What's new?

Elastofibroma dorsi is a rare slowgrowing soft tissues tumor. The lesion usually grows near the shoulder but could also involve other location. Pathogenesis of elastofibroma dorsi is still unknown and in the literature, there are mostly described case report or case series. The aim of our study is to summarize the recent innovation in the histology and immunoistochemical finding about elastofibroma and update the radiological algorithm of diagnosis.