Rib & Sternum Anomalies Flashcards
What is an Srb anomaly?
partial or complete fusion of 1st and 2nd rib
Does Srb anomaly occur anteriorly or posteriorly?
anterior ribs
What is the clinical significance of an Srb anomaly?
concern for TOS as it affects anterior scalene mm
What is the diagnosis?
Srb anomaly
What is the most common rib anomaly?
Lushka bifurcated rib
What is a Lushka bifurcated rib?
forked anterior aspect of rib
What is the clinical presentation of a Lushka bifurcated rib?
presents like a fixated rib, but without pain
What is the clinical significance of a Lushka bifurcated rib?
no clinical significance
What is a rib foramen?
an oval-shaped corticated “foramen” in the posterior lower rib
What is the clinical significance of a rib foramen?
no clinical significance
Name a differential diagnosis for a rib foramen
benign tumor (ABC or enchondroma)
What is an intrathoracic rib?
costal process that arises from the lateral vertebral body or posterior rib
Describe the typical location of an intrathoracic rib
- most commonly in midthoracic spine
- descends vertically within thorax in a curvilinear course tapering
What is rib synostosis?
early bony bridging/fusion on anterior or posterior, over a long segment of 2 or more ribs
Name an associated diagnosis for rib synostosis
block vertebrae or hemivertebrae
What is the name for ribs at the L1 vertebra?
gorilla ribs
What is the diagnosis?
Lumbar rib
What is the diagnosis?
Intrathoracic rib
What is the diagnosis?
Rib synostosis
What is the diagnosis?
Lushka bifurcated rib
What is the diagnosis?
Rib foramen
What is the most common deformity of the chest wall?
Pectus Excavatum
What is pectus excavatum?
exaggerated anterior concavity of the sternum
What are the potential causes of pectus excavatum?
- most cases idiopathic
- fetal alcohol syndrome
- CT disorders (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers Danlos)
What is the clinical significance of pectus excavatum?
most are incidental findings
- less rib excursion (rigid t/s) = diminished vital capacity
- possible cardiopulmonary insufficiency
- possible aneurysm formation (^ w/ CT disorders)
What radiographic finding of pectus excavatum is seen on an AP view?
cardiac shift (complete L sided heart shadow)
What causes cardiopulmonary insufficiency in a patient with pectus excavatum?
compression of right atrium and ventricle
If you see a complete left-sided heart shadow on an AP view of the thoracic spine, what are you concerned about?
atelectasis (until you see lat t/s view)
What is pectus carinatum?
sternum is bowed anteriorly
What is the term used to describe the appearance of pectus excavatum?
“funnel chest”
What is the term used to describe the appearance of pectus carinatum?
“pigeon breast chest”
What condition is associated with pectus carinatum?
morquio’s syndrome
What happens to the retrosternal space in a patient with pectus excavatum?
decreased
What is the diagnosis?
Pectus excavatum
Name a radiographic finding.
Cardiac shift
(Dx: Pectus excavatum)
What is the diagnosis?
Pectus carinatum
What is the diagnosis?
Pectus carinatum
What is costochondral cartilage calcification?
Calcification of anterior rib
(Normal physiologic phenomenon)
What is the diagnosis?
Costochondral cartilage calcification
