Elastofibroma dorsi: radiologic findings in 12 patients.

Abstract

Our study shows that many radiologists may not be aware of the diagnosis of elastofibroma, as few of the cases in our series were perceived or correctly diagnosed by the interpreting radiologist. Our cases show many of the classic findings of elastofibromas described in the literature. In addition, our series shows that elastofibromas are commonly bilateral, a feature that has not been strongly emphasized in the literature but one that is helpful in making the radiologic diagnosis. The finding of a similar contralateral lesion, when present, virtually eliminates malignancy from the differential diagnosis and further supports the presumptive diagnosis of elastofibromas. Increased awareness of the characteristic appearance and location of these benign, often asymptomatic lesions will increase radiologic diagnosis, decrease the need for biopsy, and decrease surgical removal of elastofibromas as presumed malignancies.