Bilateral precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartomas in an eleven-week-old infant: a case report of characteristic ultrasound findings

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59667/sjoranm.v36i1.14

Keywords:

infant, precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma, plantar nodule, ultrasonography, case report

Abstract

Precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartomas (PCFHs) are benign subcutaneous nodules of infancy, typically located on the medial plantar heel and often bilateral. We report an eleven-week-old full-term male infant with symmetrical bilateral anteromedial plantar heel nodules. Ultrasound showed well-defined, oval, hypoechoic subcutaneous nodules. The plantar fascia remained continuous, with no sonographic evidence of involvement of the underlying muscles or osseous structures. Based on the age, characteristic location, bilateral symmetry, and sonographic features, bilateral PCFH was considered the most consistent diagnosis. No biopsy or MRI was performed, and no longitudinal follow-up was available. Conservative management with parental reassurance was recommended. Recognition of this characteristic clinical and sonographic pattern may help support conservative management and avoid unnecessary invasive investigation in typical cases.

Author Biographies

  • Grammatina Boitsios, Centre Hospitalier Interrégional Edith Cavell

    Department of Radiology, Hôpital Delta, Centre Hospitalier Interrégional Edith Cavell (CHIREC), Brussels, Belgium.

  • Caroline Chabot, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Catholic University of Louvain

    Department of Radiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.

  • Paolo Simoni, Luxembourg Hospital Centre

    Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL), Luxembourg, Luxembourg.

References

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SJORANM November 2026, Vol. 36 No. 1 cover featuring ultrasound findings of bilateral precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartomas in an eleven-week-old infant.

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Published

2026-11-02

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable. No datasets were generated or analyzed for this case report.

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 1 (2026)

Section

Case reports

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Copyright (c) 2026 Grammatina Boitsios, Caroline Chabot, Paolo Simoni

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How to Cite

Boitsios, G., Chabot, C., & Simoni, P. (2026). Bilateral precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartomas in an eleven-week-old infant: a case report of characteristic ultrasound findings. Swiss Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, 36(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.59667/sjoranm.v36i1.14

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