Frequency of Sternal Variations and Anomalies Evaluated by MDCT

Abstract

MDCT exhibited various sternal variations and anomalies. Sternal foramen is a frequent minor anomaly and generally associated with sternal sclerotic bands. Early manubriosternal and sternoxiphoidal fusions can be seen in early adulthood without osteodegeneration. Double-ended xiphoid process and single xiphoidal foramen are frequent sternal variations. Awareness of MDCT appearances of sternal variations and anomalies provides a better differential diagnosis with pathologic conditions.

Xiphoid Process-Derived Chondrocytes: A Novel Cell Source for Elastic Cartilage Regeneration

“…Previous reports on the postnatal development of the human sternum were not thoroughly analyzed with histological methods but rather with radiographic methods. Much previous literature reports that human xiphoid process has a high degree of individual variation [19][20][21][22].…”

Congenital sternal foramen in a stillborn Holstein calf

“…The sternum is one of the skeleton parts with different variations and anomalies in appearances. In human, these malformations and anomalies are frequently detected accidentally by radiology [10,11] , multiplanar and 3D reconstructed CT images [12] , and MRI [13] . Reported developmental anomalies of sternum included branched xiphoid process, V-shaped bifurcation, sternum bifidum, synchondrosis sternii (incomplete ossification of the sternum), anomalies in the shape of the sternum (wedgeshaped or asymmetrical bone), sternum gallinaceum and sternal foramen.…”

“…In one case, sternal cleft was also observed adjacent to the foramen. They stated the sternal foramen is a frequent minor anomaly and generally associated with sternal sclerotic bands [12] .…”

An asymptomatic young woman with abnormal manubrium sterni: diagnosis and discussion

“…Fusion commences at the manubrium and proceeds caudad [1]. Incomplete fusion of lower sternebrae results in well-known bony defects variously named sternal foramen, cleft or fissure [2].…”