Ultrasonographic imaging of calcifying fibrous tumor of cervical esophagus: A case report

RATIONALE: Calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT) is a rare benign mesenchymal tumor characterized by cytologically benign fibroblasts that produce abundant collagen with scattered lymphocytes, plasma cells, and psammomatous or dystrophic calcifications. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 37 years old women was initially diagnosed thyroid nodule in local hospital. She was referred to receive microwave ablation of the nodule in our hospital. The patient was in good health with occasional foreign body sensation in the neck. Routine laboratory examination was normal. DIAGNOSIS: The lesion was suspected benign and originating from the esophagus rather than the thyroid gland by conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound in our hospital and was finally proved to be CFT by pathology. INTERVENTIONS: The lesion was surgically removed. OUTCOMES: The patient recovered well and was followed up for 2 years without recurrence. LESSONS: Although imaging diagnosis of CFT is difficult, the findings of clear border, coarse calcification on conventional ultrasound and peripheral hypoenhancement without central enhancement on contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), together with real-time evaluation of the relationship between the tumor and esophagus help to distinguish CFT of cervical esophagus from other lesions in the neck.