Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Introduction: SELSTOC (self-limiting sternal tumor of childhood) is a rapidly growing, self-limiting sternal/parasternal lesion of unknown etiology, first described in 2010.It has a median age of 16 months.It may present with local inflammation, but there is no systemic involvement.Mildly elevated inflammatory markers may be observed.Ultrasound shows a well-defined, non-infiltrative, dumbbell-shaped subcutaneous lesion.Additional investigations are unnecessary and conservative management is recommended.Case report: we report three cases (2023 -2024) of healthy infants (aged seven, 13, and 27 months) with sudden sternal/parasternal swelling, with no trauma or fever.One had localized pain.Two showed mildly elevated inflammatory markers.Ultrasound imaging revealed well-defined, hypoechoic, dumbbell-shaped subcutaneous lesions in every case.MRI (two cases) confirmed these findings.All received antibiotics due to diagnostic uncertainty, with complete resolution within six months.Discussion: the clinical presentation and favorable outcome support the diagnosis of SELSTOC.It is important to recognize this condition and choose conservative management with ultrasound monitoring, avoiding unnecessary medications and additional examinations.
Source: Portuguese Journal of Pediatrics
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7171785630
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