Characterization of Elastofibroma Dorsi with 18FDG PET/CT: a retrospective study

Elastofibroma dorsi has been described in the literature as an unusual tumor or pseudotumor. However, autopsies and imaging studies have revealed that it is a non-negligible finding.

Purpose

The aim of this study has been to illustrate and become familiar with this type of lesion in order to prevent misdiagnosis.

Materials and methods

From 3 December 2008 to 5 January 2010, 1,751 patients were evaluated with ¹⁸FDG-PET/CT. Of these, 29 cases of elastofibroma dorsi were recorded as an incidental finding. A retrospective and descriptive analysis was performed on this study series.

Results

The study showed a prevalence of 1.66%. Out of the 29 findings, 22 (75.86%) were females and 7 (24.14%) males. Seventeen (58.62%) cases were bilateral, 12 (41.38%) unilateral and the SUVmax ranged from 1.4 to 3.2. These lesions were reported as soft tissue density images with mild or moderate diffuse metabolic activity.

Conclusion

The elastofibroma dorsi is a relatively common finding in PET/CT that should be known in order to avoid making wrong diagnoses.

El elastofibroma dorsi ha sido descrito en la literatura como un tumor o pseudotumor poco frecuente. Sin embargo, autopsias y estudios de imagen han revelado que se trata de un hallazgo no despreciable.

Objetivo

El propósito de este estudio es describir y familiarizarse con este tipo de lesión para así evitar diagnósticos equívocos.

Material y métodos

Del 3 de diciembre de 2008 al 5 de enero de 2010, se evaluaron 1.751 pacientes mediante ¹⁸FDG-PET/TAC, de los cuales 29 casos de elastofibroma dorsi fueron reportados como hallazgo incidental.

Resultados

Este estudio mostró una prevalencia del 1,66%. De los 29 casos, 22 (75,86%) fueron mujeres y 7 (24,14%) hombres. Diecisiete (58,62%) casos resultaron bilaterales, 12 (41,38%) unilaterales y el SUVmáx osciló entre 1,4 y 3,2. Dichas lesiones fueron descritas como imágenes con densidad de partes blandas con leve o moderada actividad metabólica difusa.

Conclusión

El elastofibroma dorsi es un hallazgo relativamente frecuente en PET/TAC. Sus características deberían ser conocidas a fin de evitar diagnósticos erróneos.