Bilateral sternalis muscle in a Sudanese cadaver.

Abstract

Introduction and importanceSternalis/rectus sterni is a rare muscle found in the anterior chest wall, it occurs in 35% of humans. The early detection of its presence is critical in regular mammogram screening in order to avoid possible differential diagnostic dilemma.Case presentationWe report here a case of the sternalis muscle observed bilaterally, it was found during routine dissection session of an elderly male cadaver in the dissection room, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum.Clinical discussion and conclusionSternalis muscle is a familiar entity to anatomists, but can pose a diagnostic and surgical dilemma to some clinicians. Presence of the muscle can be confusing in regular mammogram screening and CT and MRI should be utilized to clear the dilemma, and further evidence needs to be explored and studied.