Scapulothoracic bursitis due to rheumatoid arthritis: Report of a case

Abstract

A 46-year-old female, with a mass in the right parascapularis area, was admitted to our hospital. Chest radiograph demonstrated a deformity of the left 6^th rib and increased permeability of the right 6^th rib. Chest computed tomography showed low-density masses under the bilateral scapulas and a deformity of the left 6^th rib. T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging showed hypointense masses along with the bilateral serratus anterior muscles, with marked hyperintensity on T2-weighted sequences. The patient was administered antitubercular drugs for 3 months, but the left mass slowly enlarged. The patient underwent extirpation of the left mass combined with resection of the left 6^th rib. Pathological findings revealed this tumor to be a bursitis originating from the scapulothoracic articulation. We experienced an extremely rare case of scapulothoracic bursitis probably due to rheumatoid arthritis.