From the Research
Definition and Characteristics of Elastofibroma Dorsi
- Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a rare, benign lesion arising from connective tissue, usually found at the inferior pole of the scapula 1.
- It is an uncommon benign soft tissue pseudotumour, often attached to the periosteum of the ribs, presenting with a long history of swelling and occasionally pain and discomfort 2.
- ED is a rare, benign, soft tumor located at the inferior pole of the scapula, which can be found incidentally on radiologic imaging or due to clinical symptoms 3, 4.
Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- The clinical presentation of ED includes symptoms such as swelling, discomfort, snapping, stiffness, and occasionally pain, usually in patients over the age of 50 years 2, 5.
- Diagnosis can be confirmed by MRI, and in some cases, excision biopsy, trucut biopsy, or open biopsy may be necessary 1, 2, 3.
- Presumptive diagnosis is possible by careful clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging, making preoperative tissue diagnosis unnecessary in most cases 3, 5.
Treatment and Outcomes
- Treatment is only recommended in symptomatic cases, and surgical excision can be proposed if the lesion is symptomatic 1, 4, 5.
- The outcomes after surgery are generally good, with improvement in symptoms and shoulder function, although postoperative complications such as hematoma and seroma can occur 1, 3, 5.
- Observing the lesions in asymptomatic patients would be sufficient, and therapeutic excision should only be performed in symptomatic patients 4.