title: Sensitivity and positive predictive value of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of elastofibroma dorsi: review of fourteen cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is a benign soft tissue tumor that classically presents as an ill-defined mass at the inferior pole of the scapula. Several studies have indicated the benefits of using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify ED. In this study, we calculate the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of MRI in the diagnosis of ED using histopathology as the gold standard diagnostic method. Clinical characteristics of ED and radiologic features of MRI as well as treatment options are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic retrospective review was performed of all ED patients treated in our center between 1999 and 2009. MRI and histopathology samples were performed in all cases. The MRI sensitivity and PPV in the diagnosis of ED were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 15 patients who were treated within the study period were reviewed; of these, were 14 (3 men, 11 women) true ED cases. MRI scan results matched the histopathology in 14 of 15 patients; 1 false-positive patient was observed, and no false-negative patients (negative MRI and positive histopathology) were noted. The PPV and sensitivity of MRI scan in the diagnosis of ED were 93.3% (95% confidence interval, 68.0%-100.0%) and 100% (95% confidence interval, 75.2%-100.0%) respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MRI is a useful tool for assessment of ED and can potentially help avoid the need for unnecessary biopsy and surgery, especially in the asymptomatic patient.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Surgery Department, Carlos Haya University Hospital, Malaga, Spain. isktamimi80@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Iskandar
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tamimi Mariño
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sesma Solis
authors.forename: Almudena
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pérez Lara
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Martinez Malo
authors.forename: Maria Luz
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Vazquez
authors.forename: Faleh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tamimi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012540:Scapula; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*