April 21, 2012

Sternal Foramen

Axial, sagittal-reformatted and 3D CT images of the sternum shows a small round defect in the lower third of the sternum (arrows)

Facts: Sternal Foramen
  • Small round/oval defect in the lower third of the sternum
  • Incomplete fusion of multiple ossification centers
  • Usually asymptomatic and of no clinical significance
  • Prevalence 6.7% in autopsy population
Imaging
  • Mostly incidentally found on chest CT
  • Usually solitary
  • Mostly in the body of the sternum. Rare in the manubrium

Reference:
Yekeler E, et al. Frequency of sternal variations and anomalies evaluated by MDCT. AJR 2006;186:956-960


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