Chronic Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain Caused by a Rare Glomangioma: A Case Report

Glomus tumors are benign neoplasms typically found in the fingers and usually present with localized pain, swelling, and cold sensitivity. Extradigital glomus tumors are rare, and their diagnosis is often delayed due to atypical location and lack of cold sensitivity. In this article, we report a unique case of an extradigital glomangioma, a subset of glomus tumors, masquerading as more common ulnar-sided wrist pathology, such as a triangular fibrocartilage complex tear or extensor carpi ulnaris tendinitis. The patient presented with a two-year history of gradually worsening ulnar-sided wrist pain with no history of trauma. Examination revealed localized tenderness on the ulnar wrist without a palpable mass. X-rays were normal, and the pain was unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone injection. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a subcentimeter mass in the subcutaneous fat on the ulnar side of the wrist. The lesion was bright on T2-weighted and IV gadolinium-enhanced sequences. Excisional biopsy allowed the pathological diagnosis of benign glomangioma to be established. The patient reported immediate, complete resolution of pain postoperatively. This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging, clinical vigilance, and surgical excision for this rare tumor.