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

Abstract

Objective 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. Methods 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. Results 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. Conclusion 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 of Evidence Level IV, Diagnostic Study.

Is it necessary to always resect elastofibroma dorsi?

“…It is not encapsulated, originates from fibrous tissue and has a slow growth tendency 1 . ED is not an uncommon lesion, and especially seen in females and older age groups 2 . In the autopsy series performed on a group over 55 years old, ED lesion was found in 24.4% of women 3 .…”

“…1 ED is not an uncommon lesion, and especially seen in females and older age groups. 2 In the autopsy series performed on a group over 55 years old, ED lesion was found in 24.4% of women. 3 From an etiological perspective, different hypotheses have been proposed for ED.…”

The Malleable Mesenchyme- Elastofibroma

“…Elastofibroma is not a true neoplastic process and may be engendered by repetitive micro-trauma or friction of the inferior pole of the scapula with the thoracic wall. Repetitive, mechanical trauma induces reactive hyper-proliferation and degeneration of fibro-elastic tissue [3,4]. Elastofibroma arises in regions of limited mechanical friction and can appear within dominant and non-dominant sides.…”

Concomitant bilateral elastofibroma in the infrascapular and gluteal regions: a report of a rare case

“…Although previously believed to be rare, elastofibroma has a prevalence of 2.73%, as shown by a large retrospective study through computed tomography (CT) images [2]. Autopsy studies have reported an even higher prevalence of up to 24% in the elderly population [3].…”