Sternomastalis

Bilateral sternalis muscle in a Sudanese cadaver

Introduction and importance

Sternalis/rectus sterni is a rare muscle found in the anterior chest wall, it occurs in 35% of humans. The early detection of its presence is critical in regular mammogram screening in order to avoid possible differential diagnostic dilemma.

Case presentation

We report here a case of the sternalis muscle observed bilaterally, it was found during routine dissection session of an elderly male cadaver in the dissection room, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum.

Clinical discussion and conclusion

Sternalis muscle is a familiar entity to anatomists, but can pose a diagnostic and surgical dilemma to some clinicians. Presence of the muscle can be confusing in regular mammogram screening and CT and MRI should be utilized to clear the dilemma, and further evidence needs to be explored and studied.

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Sternalis/rectus sterni is a rare muscle found in the anterior chest wall, it occurs in 3-5% of humans.

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We report here a case of the sternalis muscle observed bilaterally, it was found during a routine dissection session of an elderly male cadaver in the dissection room, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum.

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Presence of the muscle can be confusing in regular mammogram screening and CT and MRI should be utilized to clear the dilemma, and further evidence needs to be explored and studied.

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Considering its insignificant function, it could be used as a muscle flap in surgical reconstructions of the head, neck, chest wall and breast.

Sternalis muscle: an underestimated anterior chest wall anatomical variant

Over the recent years, an increased alertness for thorough knowledge of anatomical variants with clinical significance has been recorded in order to minimize the risks of surgical complications. We report a rare case of bilateral strap-like sternalis muscle of the anterior chest wall in a female cadaver. Its presence may evoke alterations in the electrocardiogram or confuse a routine mammography. The incidental finding of a sternalis muscle in mammography, CT, and MRI studies must be documented in a patient's medical records as it can be used as a pedicle flap or flap microvascular anastomosis during reconstructive surgery of the anterior chest wall, head and neck, and breast. Moreover, its presence may be misdiagnosed as a wide range of benign and malignant anterior chest wall lesions and tumors.