Concomitant bilateral elastofibroma in the infrascapular and gluteal regions: a report of a rare case

Abstract

Abstract Background Elastofibroma is a benign soft tissue tumor characterized by the presence of elastic fibers in a stroma of collagen and mature adipose tissue. It is reported to have a prevalence of 2.73%, as shown by a study through computed tomography (CT) images. However, multiple elastofibromas are uncommon. Case presentation We report a case of concomitant bilateral elastofibroma in the infrascapular and gluteal regions. A 63-year-old male patient presented with a 6-month history of gradually increasing painless swellings in the upper back. On physical examination, firm, painless bilateral infrascapular masses were identified; these masses were more noticeable on forward arm flexion. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed well-defined bilateral infrascapular masses deep to the serratus anterior muscles as well as poorly defined bilateral gluteal masses with attenuation similar to that of the adjacent skeletal muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed heterogenous masses with internal fatty streaks, consistent with elastofibroma. The histopathological diagnosis of elastofibroma was established based on the results of image-guided core-needle biopsy. The patient underwent surgical excision of both infrascapular elastofibromas with no post-operative complications. As the gluteal masses were incidental, surgical management was not warranted. Conclusion The presence of multiple elastofibromas is unusual. This report describes a rare case of multiple elastofibromas and its typical imaging features, and alerts us that elastofibromas are not exclusive to the periscapular region.