Congenital calcifying hamartoma. A resolving lesion producing gastrocnemius contracture--report of a case

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Musculoskeletal Radiology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Infantile hemangiomas are common benign vascular tumors, typically presenting in infancy.
• Calcifying masses in pediatric skeletal muscle are rare, with varied etiologies.
• Vascular hamartomas, though typically soft tissue lesions, can exhibit calcification.

Observation:

• An 18-month-old boy presented with a calcifying mass in the gastrocnemius muscle, evident from birth.
• The lesion spontaneously resolved by 5 months of age.
• Complete resolution left a fibrous cord replacing the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Findings:

• The case describes a unique presentation of a calcifying mass in the gastrocnemius muscle of an infant.
• Histopathological analysis was not performed due to spontaneous resolution.
• The proposed etiology is calcification of a vascular hamartoma with subsequent fibrosis.

Implications:

• This case suggests that some calcifying intramuscular lesions in infants may represent benign vascular hamartomas with a self-limiting course.
• Conservative management appears effective for such lesions, avoiding unnecessary interventions.
• Further research into the natural history and imaging characteristics of these rare entities is warranted.