Trent Mazer, MD; Karam Nabeel Gagi; Michael Bishop, MD

Mercy Health Department of Family Medicine, Grand Rapids, Michigan

---

Download article PDF – POCUS Journal 2021; 6(2):60-63.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24908/pocus.v6i2.15184

---

Abstract

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. 

Introduction

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) are rare, benign soft tissue tumors located most frequently between the inferior aspect of the scapula and the thoracic chest wall. ED were first described by Jarvi and Saxen in 1961 [1]. Since then, there have been multiple case reports and case series on these tumors which have broadened our understanding of their potential etiologies [2-6]. The currently proposed mechanism for ED formation is a reactive process resulting from frictional irritation or trauma. Occasionally mucosal lesions have been reported, but are rare [7-11]. 

The typical presentation of ED includes a history of a unilateral mass on the inferior aspect of the scapula that causes swelling and discomfort, and in rare cases, pain [12]. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the tumor is typically a solitary, poorly circumscribed, heterogeneous soft tissue mass [13].

Case Presentation 

A 73-year-old female presented to her primary care provider due to worsening shoulder pain.  On initial presentation the patient described intermittent pain localized in the right mid medial scapular region that was so significant she could not use her vacuum.  This pain started about 6 weeks prior to presentation with the development of a mass the size of “half an orange” in the area of her bra line, near the right shoulder blade. She denied any trauma to that area and could not recall the mass development timeline. Medical history did include a right shoulder reverse arthroplasty. A quick review of her records showed that a previous computed tomography of the chest performed a year prior to surgery was referenced and found to have no abnormalities in the area of question. The initial visit was over the telephone due to the patient’s COVID-19 concerns, thus no physical exam was completed at that time.  

A month later at a subsequent encounter the mass was examined and found to be approximately 5 cm x 5 cm in diameter. It was visible in the neutral position, localized just inferior to the right scapula, nontender to palpation and nonmobile (Figure 1). Laboratory findings were within normal limits. POCUS revealed a mass that was deep to the latissimus dorsi and resting above the inferior portion of the scapula. The mass was heterogeneous, nonencapsulated with similar echogenicity to subcutaneous fat and interweaving hypoechoic regions indicating a possible inflammatory response with fluid buildup (Figure 2). Doppler was not utilized during this exam. 

A formal ultrasound of the mass and chest Xray were ordered after the initial visit (Figure 3). The ultrasound completed a doppler examination that did not reveal any abnormal blood flow to the region. Results at this point were inconclusive and the primary care provider discussed the case with general surgery. An MRI was subsequently ordered and resulted in the diagnosis of ED (Figure 4.) The patient continued to have significant discomfort, thus surgical referral was placed for possible resection.  

Epidemiology

ED is a rare, benign, slow growing soft tissue tumor that typically presents in the subscapular and infrascapular region [1]. Some more rare locations of presentation include the orbit, mediastinum and greater omentum [14].

ED is most commonly found in the elderly, specifically over 55 years of age with a mean age of 60 years at diagnosis [12]. Children have not been exempt with some literature finding cases in younger ages [14-18]. Prevalence in the elderly ranges from 2% to 24% in women and 11% for men as reported in an autopsy series [15]. 

The cause has not been determined, but ED is more common in people with large amounts of activity involving the shoulder [14,15]. This has led to the conclusion that increased friction between the scapula and the thoracic wall may be associated with the development of ED. Microtrauma is implicated to cause degeneration of collagen and reactive hyperproliferation of fibroblastic tissue in that region [15,16]. It is difficult to explain the development of ED in sites not involved in mechanical overload leading authors to consider ED as more of a normal aging process or genetic predisposition [14,17].

Imaging Applications

Ultrasound examination as a screening test can quickly identify masses with concerning features such as a diameter larger than 5 cm, location below the muscle, heterogeneity and increased doppler flow [13]. Figure 5 can be referenced as an example of a benign soft tissue mass for comparison. The decision to move towards definitive diagnosis with an MRI could be expedited in concerning cases if POCUS was used in the primary care setting. Avoiding the distress and service demands of unnecessary urgent cancer referrals [13,14]. In addition primary care POCUS has been found to be a reliable tool in lipoma evaluations with proper training [18]. On re-evaluation of the initial POCUS images in this case, the heterogenous, disorganized structure underneath the superficial muscle that was increasing in size and pain could have led directly to MRI evaluation. The official ultrasound and radiography offered no further diagnostic clues beyond a negative doppler, and in this case could have been bypassed for surgical evaluation or MRI since the diagnosis was uncertain [12,13,19].  

Treatment

Upon definitive diagnosis of ED, treatment depends on severity of symptoms. Asymptomatic patients with ED do not benefit from excision as ED is a benign process. Clinical follow up proves to be adequate for this population [5,20]. When ED causes significant symptoms for the patient or the diagnosis is not definitive, curative marginal resection is recommended [5,19]. No cases of malignant transformation have been recorded and beyond incomplete excision, recurrence is rare [16,19,21,22]. 

In conclusion, understanding the presentation of ED could help patients avoid unnecessary procedures. The elderly and asymptomatic patients are most at risk, and simple follow up is most often sufficient. Only those who are symptomatic should be provided the opportunity to proceed with surgical management. 

Declaration of patient consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient has given her consent for her images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patient understands that her name and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal her identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Disclosures

None.

References

1.  Jarvi O, Saxen E. Elastofibroma dorse. Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand Suppl. 1961;51(Suppl 144):83-4.

2.  Ochsner JE, Sewall SA, Brooks GN, et al. Best cases from the AFIP: Elastofibroma dorsi. Radiographics. 2006;26(6):1873-6.

3.  Falidas E, Arvanitis D, Anyfantakis G, et al. Painful Elastofibroma dorsi: A report of a case and a brief review of the literature. Case Rep Orthop. 2013;2013:794247.

4.  Hocar H, Buffard V, Ortonne N, et al. Bilateral elastofibroma dorsi. Ann Dermatol Venereol. 2012;139(1):41-5.

5.  Darling MR, Kutalowski M, MacPherson DG, et al. Oral Elastofibromatous Lesions: A review and case series. Head Neck Pathol. 2011;5(3):254-8.

6.  Cavallasca JA, Sohn DI, Borgia AR, et al. Elastofibroma dorsi: review of 4 cases. Reumatol Clin. 2012;8(6):358-60.

7.  Potter TJ, Summerlin DJ, Rodgers SF. Elastofibroma: the initial report in the oral mucosa. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004;97(1):64-7.

8.  Manchandu R, Foote J, Alawi F. Elastofibroma presenting as an oral soft tissue mass. J Oral Pathol Med. 2008;37(2):125-6.

9.  Märkl B, Kerwel TG, Langer E, et al. Elastosis of the colon and the ileum as polyp causing lesions: a study of six cases and review of the literature. Pathol Res Pract. 2008;204:395-9. 

10.  Tosios KI, Economou I, Vasilopoulos NN, et al. Elastofibromatous changes and hyperelastosis of the oral mucosa. Head Neck Pathol. 2010;4(1):31-6.

11.  Nonaka CF, Rego DM, Miguel MC, et al. Elastofibromatous change of the oral mucosa: case report and literature review. J Cutan Pathol. 2010;37:1067-71. 

12.  Go PH, Meadows MC, Deleon EM, et al. Elastofibroma dorsi: a soft tissue masquerade. Int J Shoulder Surg. 2010;4(4):97-101. 

13.  Lakkaraju A, Sinha R, Garikipati R, et al. Ultrasound for initial evaluation and triage of clinically suspicious soft-tissue masses. Clin. Radiol. 2009;64:615-21.

14.  Rowbotham E, Bhuva S, Gupta H, et al. Assessment of referrals into the soft tissue sarcoma service: Evaluation of imaging early in the pathway process. Sarcoma. 2012;2012:1-5.

15.  Naylor MF, Nascimento AG, Sherrick AD, et al. Elastofibroma dorsi: Radiologic findings in 12 patients. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1996;167:683-7. 

16.  Nagamine N, Nohara Y, Ito E. Elastofibroma in Okinawa. A clinicopathologic study of 170 cases. Cancer. 1982;50(9):1794-805.

17.  Jarvi OH, Lansimies PH. Subclinical elastofibromas in the scapular region in an autopsy series. Acta Pathol Microbiol Scand A. 1975;83(1):87-108.

18.  Rahmani G, McCarthy P, Bergin D. The diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography for soft tissue lipomas: a systematic review. Acta Radiol Open. 2017;6(6):2058460117716704.

19.  Daigeler A, Vogt PM, Busch K, et al.  Elastofibroma dorsi—differential diagnosis in chest wall tumours. World J Surg Oncol. 2007;5:15.

20.  Muratori F, Esposito M, Rosa F, et al. Elastofibroma dorsi: 8 case reports and a literature review. J Orthop Traumatol. 2008;9(1):33-7.

21.  Giebel GD, Bierhoff E, Vogel J. Elastofibroma and pre-elastofibroma—a biopsy and autopsy study. Eur J Surg Oncol. 1996;22(1):93-6

22.  Kransdorf MJ, Meis JM, Montgomery E. Elastofibroma: MR and CT appearance with radiologic-pathologic correlation. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1992;159(3):575-9.

23.  Vivitmongkonchai K, Wangcharoenrung D, Kintarak J, et al. Sonographic Appearance of Soft Tissue Lipomas. J Med Assoc Thai. 2016;99(4):69-74