Prevalence of elastofibroma dorsi on CT: Is it really an uncommon entity?

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, demographic data of elastofibroma dorsi (ED) in adult population who had undergone chest CT examination and to discuss clinical, and radiological presentations, and treatment options of ED.

We retrospectively reviewed 4074 chest CT examinations for ED from July 2014 to April 2015. Lesion size, side, and patient demographics were analyzed for positive cases of ED. The initial radiology reports of patients with ED were also reviewed.

Of the 4074 patients, 111 patients (2.73%) (77 women and 34 men; mean age: 68.2 years; range: 35-91 years) had a total of 168 ED. The females had a 1.96 -fold higher prevalence of ED than the males (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.481-2.59). The mean lesion thickness was found to be significantly greater in the female patients compared with the male patients (p = 0.001). The prevalence of the disease was estimated to be 4.98 times higher in patients aged 65 years or older (CI 95%, 3.25-7.36). In 111 ED patients, the lesions were only noted in 9 patients' initial radiology report.

Here, we present a prevalence study with the largest population in the literature concerning ED. Our study shows that ED is not as uncommon as previously thought and should be especially suspected in females and older age groups.

Level IV, Diagnostic Study.