Computed tomography of the sternum.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Anatomy
• Embryology

Background:

• Congenital sternal anomalies require accurate diagnostic methods.
• Understanding normal sternal anatomy and embryology is crucial for identifying abnormalities.
• Computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a valuable tool in medical imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the author's experience with CT in diagnosing sternal anomalies.
• To review the embryology and anatomy relevant to sternal malformations.
• To illustrate various sternal pathologies detectable by CT.

Main Methods:

• Review of normal sternal and peristernal soft tissue anatomy.
• Explanation of the CT imaging technique for the sternum.
• Illustration of sternal variants, trauma, iatrogenic changes, inflammation, and neoplasms.

Main Results:

• CT effectively visualizes normal sternal anatomy and surrounding tissues.
• CT can identify a wide range of sternal abnormalities, including congenital variants, trauma, and neoplastic lesions.
• The technique is well-suited for evaluating diverse sternal pathologies.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography provides significant advantages for evaluating sternal pathology.
• CT should be considered the primary imaging modality for suspected sternal conditions.
• The presented experience highlights CT's diagnostic utility in sternal anomaly assessment.