Cleft sternum: case report and literature review

R M Abel1, M Robinson, P Gibbons

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|March 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Isolated sternal cleft is a rare congenital anomaly. This study details a child's late presentation and management, reviewing current diagnostic and surgical options for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Congenital Anomalies
  • Thoracic Wall Defects

Background:

  • The isolated sternal cleft is a rare congenital anomaly with varied presentation.
  • It can manifest from birth through adulthood, posing diagnostic and management challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the late presentation of an isolated sternal cleft in a pediatric patient.
  • To review modern investigative and operative management strategies for this rare condition.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a pediatric patient with late-presenting isolated sternal cleft.
  • Review of current literature on diagnostic imaging and surgical techniques.

Main Results:

  • The case highlights the possibility of late diagnosis in isolated sternal cleft.
  • Modern imaging and surgical interventions offer effective management options.

Conclusions:

  • Isolated sternal cleft requires a high index of suspicion for late diagnosis.
  • Timely and appropriate surgical intervention can lead to successful outcomes.

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