# Percutaneous Cryoablation of Elastofibroma Dorsi in a 73-Year-Old Woman: A Novel Minimally Invasive Alternative

## TL;DR

A 73-year-old woman with a shoulder tumor was successfully treated with a minimally invasive freezing technique, avoiding major surgery and recovering quickly.

## Contribution

This is the first reported use of percutaneous cryoablation for treating elastofibroma dorsi.

## Key findings

- CT-guided cryoablation successfully reduced tumor symptoms and preserved shoulder mobility.
- The patient experienced full recovery and returned to normal activities within a month.
- Cryoablation offers a low-morbidity alternative to surgical excision for selected cases.

## Abstract

Elastofibroma dorsi (EFD) is a benign soft-tissue pseudotumor typically managed with surgical excision. Minimally invasive ablation techniques have not been previously described for this entity. We report the case of a 73-year-old active woman who presented with a left infrascapular mass confirmed on biopsy as an elastofibroma. To preserve shoulder mobility and avoid extensive surgery, CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation was performed using three cryoprobes with pneumodissection to protect adjacent soft tissues. The procedure was well tolerated, and the patient was discharged the following day. At one-month follow-up, she reported significant improvement of shoulder discomfort, reduction of the palpable lump, and full return to activity. This represents, to our knowledge, the first reported instance of EFD successfully treated with percutaneous cryoablation. This minimally invasive approach appears to offer an effective, low-morbidity alternative to surgical excision for selected patients, preserving function and reducing recovery time.