Scapulothoracic bursitis in a patient with quadriparesis: a case report

Abstract

Scapulothoracic bursitis is a rare disease and presents as pain or swelling around the bursa of the scapulothoracic articulation. It has been reported to be related to chronic repetitive mechanical stress of the periscapular tissue, trauma, overuse, and focal muscle weakness. The authors experienced an atypical case of scapulothoracic bursitis with shoulder and periscapular pain after quadriparesis.This case implies that muscular atrophy around the scapula and chest wall from quadriparesis may contribute to the development of scapulothoracic bursitis with shoulder and periscapular pain. In addition, clinician should be alert to it as a possible cause when a patient with quadriparesis complains of shoulder and periscapular pain and consider proper diagnostic options such as ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging.

FIGURE 1

Longitudinal view of left shoulder on ultrasonography and periscapular area shows heterogenous fluid-filled cystic mass.

FIGURE 2

High signal intensity in enlarged scapulothoracic bursa (arrow) and fractured rib (arrowhead) in (A) axial and (B) sagittal view of T2-weighted magnetic resonance images.