Seeing beyond the lungs: paths to a new approach of analyzing the ribs

Congress:

ECR 2020

Poster Number:

C-10060

Type:

Educational Exhibit

Keywords:

Performed at one institution, Not applicable, Neoplasia, Dysplasias, Congenital, Observer performance, Normal variants, Diagnostic procedure, Image manipulation / Reconstruction, Digital radiography, CT, Thorax, Bones, Chest

Authors:

C. S. Franco, R. Guerrini, D. L. Ferreira, M. V. Y. Sawamura, R. S. Omori, P. H. G. D. Andrade, L. A. Silva, E. K. U. N. Fonseca; São Paulo/BR

DOI:

10.26044/ecr2020/C-10060

DOI-Link:

https://dx.doi.org/10.26044/ecr2020/C-10060

Learning objectives

The objectives of this exhibit are: - Review normal variations from the ribs to avoid misinterpretation and pitfalls. - To familiarize with typical pathologies of this topography to support chest radiography interpretation. - To demonstrate a variety of rare cases ofthe ribs to improve our radiological repertory.

Background

Although chest radiography analysis is part of the radiologist's primary curriculum, many of us are not used to alterations of the ribs. The recognition of variants and alterations of this topography is a fundamental step in the evaluation of chest radiography. Such findings may go misinterpreted if no targeted assessment of those structures is made. Knowledge of typical patterns ofdiseases and normal variations of the ribs and awareness of rare cases are important keys to help the diagnosis and to avoid misinterpretation.

Findings and procedure details

This educational exhibit reviewed selected cases from our archive, which will be illustrated with chest x-rays and computed tomographies. Among the cases chosen, we will highlight: 1. normal variants 2. congenital deformities 3. traumatic injuries 4. primary and secondary neoplasm 5. metabolic bone diseases 6. miscellaneous 1. Normal variants Cervical ribs are supernumerary ribs that arise as an elongation of the transverse process of cervical vertebrae, usually the seventh one. They can be uni or bilateral and, although most cases are asymptomatic, some can be...

Conclusion

The ribs are often neglected structures on chest radiographiy. However, numerous conditions can affect these structures, and it can be quite challenging to analyze. Therefore, acknowledgment of their diseases – including uncommon cases – is essential to avoid misinterpretations and to improve our diagnostic skills.

Personal information and conflict of interest

C. S. Franco; São Paulo/BR - nothing to disclose R. Guerrini; SÃO PAULO/BR - nothing to disclose M. V. Y. Sawamura; Sao Paulo, SP/BR - nothing to disclose R. S. Omori; São Paulo/BR - nothing to disclose P. H. G. D. Andrade; São Paulo/BR - nothing to disclose L. A. Silva; Sao Paulo/BR - nothing to disclose D. L. Ferreira; SÃO PAULO/BR - nothing to disclose

References

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