Elastofibroma dorsi: a histochemical and immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is considered a member of a heterogeneous group of benign fibrous (fibroblastic or myofibroblastic) softtissue tumors, frequently localized in the periscapular region in middle aged or older individuals. However, the pathogenesis of ED is still unclear and many authors believe that ED results from a reactive hyperproliferation of fibroblastic tissue, while others suggest that it may be a consequence of a mechanical friction. In our study, we examined 11 cases of ED using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods, in order to extend the knowledge about extracellular matrix composition and histopathogenesis of ED. From the results it appeared that stroma and interspersed spindle cells of ED were positive for both periostin and tenascin-C. Mast cells tryptase-positive were also abundant throughout the lesion. The perivascular distribution of periostin and tenascin-C, associated with the CD34 positivity, suggest that endothelial-mesenchymal transition events can account for neovascularization and production of fibroelastic tissue characteristic of elastofibroma. Our data obtained in endothelial cells cultures demonstrated that elastin production is higher when the status of confluence of the cells is low. So, we can assume that such a phenomenon is a characteristic of mesenchymal/endothelial cells CD34 positive, in which elastin production results to be inversely proportional to the vascular differentiation of cellular elements. In the light of these considerations, we think that a cancerous nature of ED is unlikely. Overall, our study report, for the first time, a detailed description of extracellular matrix composition in ED, suggesting that a mechanical strain-dependent reactivation of periostin and tenascin-C expression, as well as of elastin deposition, could be responsible for development of ED.

A Unique Case of Pancreatic Mass due to Pancreatic Elastofibromatosis

“…Over the years it has been reported at several locations throughout the musculoskeletal system including foot, spine, deltoid, greater trochanter, chest wall, and face [2, 3, 10–12]. It is very rare to find this tumor at visceral sites.…”

Case of bilateral elastofibroma on the tensor fasciae latae

“…3 Since then, less than 40 cases of regression of MCC have been reported. 4 In contradiction to other skin carcinomas (e.g. malignant melanoma),…”

“…Recently, a report showed the importance of mechanical friction-induced reactivation of periostin and tenascin-C expression as well as elastin deposition in the etiology of elastofibroma. 4 In our case, an exogenous force such as…”

Innate and Adaptive Immunity Linked to Recognition of Antigens Shared by Neural Crest-Derived Tumors

“…This pathway is also involved in the homing of cancer cells into specific organs [11]. The EMT process is even linked to pathological contexts, both inflammatory and neoplastic, in which there is a remodeling of tissue matrix [12]. After migration reaching the tissue target, NSCDs reconvert their phenotype through the mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET).…”