Elastofibroma dorsi--a case report and review of literature

Elastofibroma dorsi, named for its characteristic location, is a benign soft tissue tumour occurring most often in the infrascapular region of elderly women. It has been infrequently reported in other anatomic locations. Elastofibroma is a rare non-encapsulated benign tumour characterised by the proliferation of elastin fibres in a stroma of collagenous and fatty connective tissue. This presents as an obvious swelling deep to the scapula, making the scapula prominent, causing periscapular pain, discomfort and loss of range of motion in the shoulder. This article presents a typical case and a brief review of the literature. The clinical aspects and the characteristic magnetic resonance findings are discussed to help emphasise the fact that these tumours are entirely innocuous and need not be subjected to surgical excision.