Glomus tumour in the forearm: a case report and review of mri findings

S Lee,H Le,D Malfair,P Munk,P Clarkson,Ch H Lee

doi:10.5334/jbr-btr.342

Abstract

Glomus tumours are uncommon benign neoplasms characterised by the proliferation of modified smooth muscle cells known as glomus cells. Glomus tumours are well described in the extremities, particularly in the sub-ungual region and MRI is well established as the investigation of choice. However, a significant proportion of glomus tumours are extra-digital, but the discussion of MRI findings of extra-digital tumours is limited and restricted to case reports. We present a case of a solitary painful forearm lesion in an 81-year-old man, and review the English literature on extra-digital glomus tumours documenting MR imaging features. Radiologists should be aware of the existence of these lesions, particularly in the setting of chronic pain and focal tenderness.

Highlights

Glomus tumours are uncommon benign neoplasms characterised by the proliferation of modified smooth muscle cells known as glomus cells
Glomus tumours are well described in the extremities, in the sub-ungual region and MRI is well established as the investigation of choice [1]
We present a case of a solitary painful forearm lesion in an 81-year-old man, and review the English literature on extra-digital glomus tumours documenting MR imaging features

Summary

Case report

Fig. 1. — MRI left proximal forearm (GE echospeed 1.5T) demonstrating a subcutaneous lesion overlying the extensor compartment (arrow). — MRI left proximal forearm (GE echospeed 1.5T) demonstrating a subcutaneous lesion overlying the extensor compartment (arrow). An 81-year-old man presented with a sub-cutaneous nodule in the dorsal forearm that had been slowly growing over 10 years. MRI demonstrated a 6 x 12 x 14 mm ovoid subcutaneous lesion which abutted the superficial muscular fascia on the extensor compartment (Fig. 1). It was hypointense on T1 and hyperintense on T2 and STIR. Table I. — Summary table of cases of extra-digital glomus tumours with MRI and/or ultrasound findings

Ovoid hypoechoic mass

Discussion