[Bilateral elastofibroma dorsi].

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Dermatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Elastofibroma dorsi (EFD) is a rare, benign soft-tissue tumor typically found deep to the serratus anterior muscle near the scapula.
• Reports in dermatological literature are scarce due to its infrequent occurrence in skin or subcutaneous tissue.

Observation:

• A 59-year-old male presented with bilateral scapular masses, confirmed as elastofibroma dorsi.
• Imaging revealed heterogeneous masses within the serratus anterior muscle, measuring 30/15 mm (right) and 60/19 mm (left).
• Physical examination noted firm, painless, mobile masses under normal skin, best visualized during arm elevation.

Findings:

• Histopathological analysis of a deep biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi.
• The masses were characterized as heterogeneous tissue and fat within the serratus anterior muscle.
• The tumor is described as an uncommon, benign, non-encapsulated pseudo-tumor of connective tissue.

Implications:

• Elastofibroma dorsi should be considered in the differential diagnosis of shoulder masses in the elderly population.
• The frequent bilaterality of EFD necessitates examination of the contralateral shoulder for a second mass.
• This case highlights the importance of imaging and biopsy for accurate diagnosis of rare soft-tissue tumors.