Xanthoma of Rib: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Background: Xanthomas are well-circumscribed benign proliferative lesions seen mainly in soft tissues. Usually, they are found in hyperlipidemia and hyperlipoproteinemia family. Histologically, are characterized by macrophage-like mononuclear cells, multinucleated giant cells and abundant foam cells. The bone involvement, however, is notoriously rare and rib localization is extremely rare. Case presentation: A 55-year-old man performed a chest X-Ray and a subsequent chest Computed Tomography (CT) scan showing a rib lesion that was surgically removed and a diagnosis of rib xanthoma was made. The patient presented an unknown condition of hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: Rib xanthoma can be discovered accidentally and can be helpful in identifying an unrecognized condition of hyperlipidemia.