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| Case
of the Month |
by Dr
Noreen Norfaraheen Lee Abdullah
MD (UKM),
MMed Radiology (UKM), AM(Mal)
Answer to Case Of the Month
Left
Cervical Rib
Discussion of Findings
The lung volumes are adequate and clear. No focal
lung lesion seen. Heart size and the mediastinal contours are normal. There is a
bony projection seen arising from the C7 vertebra on the left side, which is in
keeping with a left cervical rib.
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Cervical Rib |
In normal circumstances, there
are 12 pairs of ribs. The ribs are attached to the thoracic vertebra. In some
instances, there may more than 12 ribs or even less than that.
Cervical rib is defined as a supernumerary or extra rib, which arises from the
seventh cervical vertebra. It is usually located above the normal first rib. A
cervical rib is present in about 1 in 200 (0.5%) of people. Usually the cervical
ribs occur bilaterally but in this case only the left side is present. Cervical
ribs may cause nerve and artery problems. This is due to compression onto the
neurovascular bundle at the neck base. The rib narrows the interval between the
scalenus muscles and pose a high barrier for the nerves and vessels to pass
over. Sagging of shoulders or carrying heavy things accentuates compression.
Typical symptoms include numbness, pain and paraesthesia of the affected hand
and inner forearm (dermatome levels C8 to T1). Raynaud’s phenomenon may be
encountered and the worst scenario would be gangrene. The cervical rib may be
palpable clinically although in the majority it is asymptomatic and is normally
an incidental finding on a routine chest radiograph.
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| About
the Author |
Dr Noreen, a Consultant
Radiologist is currently with the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian,
Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Last Updated:
Tuesday, 01 January 2008 |
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