Hyperplasia of rib and vertebra,associated with infiltrating lipoma: a rare case of focal overgrowth

Purpose

Syndromes with focal overgrowth are rare and diagnosis is difficult because manifestations are highly variable and symptoms overlap between syndromes. Diagnosis depends on clinical history, physical examination, and radiologic and histologic findings. This report describes a case of focal overgrowth of the left seventh rib and half of the adjacent thoracic vertebra, with overlying infiltrating lipoma.

Methods

A 13-year-old boy presented with an asymptomatic chest wall mass caused by enlargement of the seventh rib and an overlying soft-tissue mass accompanied by enlargement of half of the seventh thoracic vertebra. MRI showed infiltration of lipomatous tissue in the muscles, but no interfascicular accumulation of adipose tissue in the thoracic spinal nerve.

Results

A similar case was presented in 1985 but without MR imaging.

Conclusion

We report on a second case of focal overgrowth of a rib and half of the adjacent vertebra, and overlying lipoma. In addition to the first case, we present MR images demonstrating infiltration of the adipose tissue.