Rib anomalies – a case and an overview of the literature.

Abstract

Anatomic rib variants (numeric and structural) are reported to occur in less than 2 % of the general population and are rarely of any clinical significance. Frequently noticed developmental rib anomalies include fused and bifid ribs, cervical ribs and rib dysplasia. Occasionally they can cause problems when interpreting chest radiographs, therefore it is important for radiologists to be familiar with them and consider rib variants in differential diagnosis.The following case report presents an 88-year old female with a left bifid intrathoracic rib.