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