A Case Report on Seven Accessory (Supernumerary) Thoracic Ribs in Left Thoracic Wall

Abstract

Ribs are protective ribbon-like bony elements normally present within the chest wall and are few of the most imaged structures in the clinical practice. Common rib anomalies include cervical ribs, bifid ribs, rib dysplasia, and intercostal fusion. The term “intrathoracic rib” signifies abnormal location of a rib within the thoracic cavity.An intrathoracic rib is a rare and benign congenital anomaly of the thoracic cage. Rib anomalies are relatively common and affect almost one percent of the general population A Female cadaver had seven supernumerary intrathoracic ribs on the left side. Its location in the posterior mediastinum with lack of attachment to adjacent ribs (intercostal fusion) were unusual features. Most commonly accessory ribs are associated with right side but in the present study it was observed on left side. The case is suggestive of left seven intrathoracic ribs (left seven supernumerary ribs), and hypoplastic left lung. Clinical significance of these anomalies are usually silent throughout life time& detected incidentally by imaging. These should be kept in mind in differential diagnosis of thoracic pathology.