Case Report

Imaging of Elastofibroma Dorsi: About 13 Cases

Authors: Salah Ben Elhend, Redouane Roukhssi, Nabil Hammoune, Abdelilah Mouhsine.

DOI: 10.33425/2835-3587.1038

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Abstract

Elastofibroma dorsi is a rare benign fibroproliferative pseudotumor most often located beneath the inferior angle of the scapula. We report a series of 13 cases diagnosed in our radiology department, highlighting the clinical and imaging features across multiple modalities. The mean patient age was 48 years (range: 38–68), with a clear female predominance (12 women, 1 man). The lesion was bilateral in 7 cases and unilateral in 6 cases. Clinically, patients presented mainly with a palpable subscapular mass, with pain reported in four cases. Imaging findings were characteristic: ultrasound revealed ill-defined iso-echoic masses with alternating hyperechoic and hypoechoic striations; CT demonstrated well-defined, fusiform, non-encapsulated masses isodense to muscle, interspersed with fatty streaks; MRI showed the typical dual composition of fibrous (hypointense on T1/T2) and fatty (hyperintense on T1) tissue, producing the pathognomonic checkerboard pattern. Recognition of these features is crucial to establish a confident diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary invasive investigations. Surgical excision is reserved for symptomatic cases, while asymptomatic patients may be managed conservatively.

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