MR imaging findings of elastofibroma dorsi in correlation with pathological features: our experience

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