Glomus tumor of the musculotendinous junction of the rotator cuff. A case report.

Abstract

A rare case of glomus tumor of the rotator cuff is presented. A 35-year-old man had a 20-year history of left shoulder pain. Through physical examination, muscular atrophy in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles and restriction of shoulder motion was seen. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an abnormal oval shadow in the supraspinatus musculotendinous junction, and postcontrast computed tomographic scanning showed a small calcification focus in the tumor. Surgical excision of the tumor and rotator cuff reconstruction using Debeyre's procedure were done. Microscopic examination of the tumor showed a typical glomus tumor. It was difficult to diagnose glomus tumor in this patient before surgical intervention. Retrospective consideration indicated that the history of the present illness, computed tomographic scanning, and magnetic resonance imaging were critical for differential diagnosis.