Extradigital glomus tumor: a rare etiology for wrist soft tissue mass

Authors

Justin E. Friske, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
Vipul Sharma, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow
S A. Kolpin, Advocate Aurora Health
Nicholas Webber, Advocate Aurora HealthFollow

Recommended Citation

Friske JE, Sharma V, Kolpin SA, Webber NP. Extradigital glomus tumor: a rare etiology for wrist soft tissue mass. Radiology Case Reports. 2016; 11(3):195-200.

Affiliations

Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center- Departments of Radiology, Pathology, and Orthopedic Surgery

Abstract

Glomus tumors are rare benign hamartomas arising from the neuromyoarterial glomus body, a highly specialized arteriovenous anastomosis responsible for thermoregulation. Although classically associated with a subungual location, less common extradigital glomus tumors can present a diagnostic challenge because of their rarity and nonspecific presentation. This case report adds to the literature of proven extradigital glomus tumors with documented pathologic and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and describes their place in the differential for soft tissue mass of the wrist. Occasionally, a combination of imaging findings and clinical history as described may help suggest the diagnosis prospectively.

Document Type

Case Report