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Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Engineered Vascularized Muscle Flap
Published on: January 11, 2016
An unusual case of intercostal muscle flap ossification mimicking an intrathoracic rib
Sharif Abdullah1, Ming Hao Guo2, Gail Darling3
1Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
Abstract:
We present a unique case of intercostal muscle flap (ICMF) ossification mimicking an intrathoracic rib diagnosed 3 years after oesophageal perforation repair. A 58-year-old male presented with complaints of mild chest discomfort. Three years ago he had undergone left thoracotomy and primary repair of post-emetic oesophageal perforation. An ICMF had been used to strengthen the repair. Chest X-ray identified a linear calcific density within the left hemithorax. Subsequent thoracic CT characterized the anomaly as ossification of the ICMF. The lesion had the appearance of a well-differentiated intrathoracic rib coursing through the left lower lobe. We discuss the typical appearances of ossified ICMFs and the potential complications resulting from this ossification.
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