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Immunophenotypic analysis of glomus coccygeum associated with coccygodynia

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Abstract

Objective

Glomus coccygeum is a glomus body which is found in the pericoccygeal soft tissue. This specialised arteriovenous anastomosis is a non-pathological vestigial structure usually larger than its equivalent in the distal extremities. Its prevalence is uncertain. Glomus coccygeum has been associated with coccygodynia and can cause diagnostic problems to pathologists unfamiliar with this entity.

Materials and methods

The presence of a glomus coccygeum was sought in 40 coccygectomy specimens and correlated with clinical, radiological and histological findings.

Results

A glomus coccygeum was identified in 13 samples (35%). Glomus cells expressed smooth muscle actin (SMA) and were negative for desmin, S100, cytokeratin and a wide range of vascular markers. Proliferative activity was low. Pre-operative MRI did not identify these tiny lesions, and most patients with coccygodynia did not have a glomus coccygeum.

Conclusion

Glomus coccygeum is a common microanatomical structure which can be distinguished from glomus and other tumours by its small size, SMA expression and low proliferative activity.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Chris Lowe for typing the manuscript. This study was carried out by the EuroBoNet consortium, a Network of Excellence funded by the European Union.

Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal and Clinical Laboratory Services, University of Oxford, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, OX7LD, UK

    Francesca Maggiani, Takeshi Kashima, Simon J. Ostlere & Nick A. Athanasou

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  1. Francesca Maggiani
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  2. Takeshi Kashima
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  3. Simon J. Ostlere
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  4. Nick A. Athanasou
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Correspondence to Nick A. Athanasou.

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Maggiani, F., Kashima, T., Ostlere, S.J. et al. Immunophenotypic analysis of glomus coccygeum associated with coccygodynia. Skeletal Radiol 40, 1455–1459 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-011-1128-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-011-1128-0

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