MR imaging findings of elastofibroma dorsi in correlation with pathological features: our experience.
OBJECTIVE
This paper describes the role of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for characterising elastofibroma dorsi in correlation with pathological findings.


METHODS
Over a period of 9 years, 1,233 MR examinations of the periscapular region assessed for the presence of elastofibroma dorsi with superconductive 1.5-T MR scanners at three different radiology institutes were retrospectively reviewed.


RESULTS
Our study population included 15 patients (12 women, three men; mean age 58 years, range 28-82 years) presenting with 17 lesions. Two patients had bilateral elastofibroma dorsi. Thirteen of 15 patients underwent MR examination for clinical suspicion of a lesion located in the periscapular region, whereas in 2/15 cases it was an incidental finding during MR examination performed for other diseases. Diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi was confirmed by histopathology in 11/17 cases. The remaining lesions were considered benign, as their size and morphology did not change over a mean follow-up period of 1.5 years.


CONCLUSIONS
MR imaging with its multiplanar capabilities and high-contrast resolution has a high level of accuracy in characterising elastofibroma dorsi and may avoid the need for biopsy or surgical operation.
Istituto di Radiologia, Policlinico G.B. Rossi, Università di Verona, Verona, Italy. nfaccioli@sirm.org
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019042:Muscle Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012540:Scapula / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology