An elongated dorsally curved xiphoid process
10.5115/acb.2019.52.1.102
- Author:
Stefan LACHKAR
1
;
Joe IWANAGA
;
R Shane TUBBS
Author Information
1. Seattle Science Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA. joei@seattlesciencefoundation.org
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Xiphoid process;
Sternum;
Anatomic variation;
Anatomy;
Cadaver
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anatomic Variation;
Cadaver;
Diagnostic Errors;
Humans;
Male;
Muscles;
Respiration;
Sternum;
Surgeons
- From:Anatomy & Cell Biology
2019;52(1):102-104
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
The xiphoid process of the sternum lies in the epigastric region and functions to serve as an attachment point for vital muscles that aid in respiration. With the xiphoid process extending as the most inferior portion of the sternum, variable morphology is widely observed. During a routine dissection of a 44-year-old Caucasian male cadaver, we discovered a hook-shaped, elongated xiphoid process that protruded dorsally. Potential clinical significance can arise leading to misdiagnosis of the hook-shaped xiphoid process as an epigastric mass during imaging. Though various variations of xiphoid process have been well documented, knowledge of a hook-shaped xiphoid process orientated dorsally remains scarce. Herein, this case study provides clinicians, surgeons, and radiologists a rare anomaly of the xiphoid process in order to further the knowledge of morphological variations of the xiphoid to prevent misdiagnosis and surgical complications.
