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Aggressive tumoral calcinosis in an infant thoracotomy scar
Jakub Kadlec1, Bohumil Hucin, Tomas Tlaskal
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UY, UK. jakub.kadlec@nnuh.nhs.uk
Insights
Tumoral calcinosis (TC) developed in an infant's surgical scar after aortic coarctation repair. This rare, aggressive condition recurred but was successfully treated with repeated resection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Dermatopathology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Tumoral calcinosis (TC) is a rare disorder characterized by calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in soft tissues.
- Postoperative development of TC is exceptionally uncommon, with no prior reports in surgical scars.
Observation:
- A six-month-old infant presented with tumoral calcinosis within a thoracotomy scar from a prior aortic coarctation repair.
- The lesion recurred aggressively after initial resection, causing significant shoulder mobility restriction.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of tumoral calcinosis arising in a postoperative scar.
- Repeated, complete surgical resection achieved successful management with no recurrence over a 12-month follow-up period.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare complications in surgical scars, even in infants.
- Underscores the importance of considering aggressive differential diagnoses for recurrent soft tissue masses post-surgery.
- Suggests that complete resection may be effective for managing aggressive, recurrent tumoral calcinosis in pediatric surgical sites.
Abstract:
The authors report a case of tumoral calcinosis (TC) in a six-month-old infant, which developed within the thoracotomy scar from previous aortic coarctation repair. After initial resection of the lesion, the child returned with a large mass of TC restricting movement of the left shoulder. Repeated total resection was successful with no recurrence in 12 months' follow-up. This is the first report of TC that developed in a postoperative scar and is unusual in its recurrence and aggressive growth. Pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of this rare event is discussed.
