Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma: report of 2 cases

Abstract

Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma is a benign condition of infancy that is possibly underdiagnosed because of the lack of reports in the literature. Lesions become evident after the first months of life and may be troublesome to parents and physicians. Patients are frequently referred to the pediatric surgeon for evaluation. We report and discuss 2 typical cases.

Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma: Rare or under‐reported?

“…PCFH is a benign condition whose pathogenesis is not known . Incomplete regression of fibrolipomatous fetal tissue in the area of the heel is one proposed hypothesis.…”

“…However, lack of fetal tissue on histology and absence of increased incidence of PCFH in preterm infants refutes this hypothesis . Congenital alteration of fibroconnective trabecular network of adipose tissue has been suggested . PCFH has been shown to have an X‐linked or mitochondrial inheritance pattern .…”

“…PCFH presents at birth or few weeks after birth as asymptomatic soft non‐tender nodules on the medial aspect of precalcaneal region of foot with normal overlying skin . It is usually bilateral, although unilateral cases have also been described .…”

“…Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma (PCFH) is a benign condition that has been referred by disparate nomenclature such as congenital piezogenic‐like papules, infantile pedal papules, congenital adipose plantar nodules, and plantar nodules . There is apparent lack of published reports in English literature that may be because either the entity is under‐diagnosed or misdiagnosed.…”

“…PCFH is characterized by soft asymptomatic nodules on the plantar aspect of foot. The condition generally presents within first few months of life but can be present at birth . The condition is often bilateral, although unilateral involvement has also been reported .…”