Unilateral rectus thoracis muscle with clinical implications
Journal Title: International Journal of Anatomical Variations - Year 2018, Vol 11, Issue 4
Abstract
The rectus thoracis muscle is an often forgotten but rare muscular variation of the anterior thoracic wall. This muscle variant appears in about 8% of the population and is a result of embryological variation. The muscle variant appears to have no apparent physiological activity except for possible proprioception and respiration functions. The lack of physiological activity can alter electrocardiogram readings. Increased awareness and thorough knowledge of anatomical variants with clinical significance is imperative to minimizing risks of surgical complications. This report displays the finding of the rectus thoracis muscle on the right pectoral region in a 78-year-old male cadaver. In addition to the embryological reasoning, the presence of rectus thoracis has a tendency to cause clinical misinterpretation of mammogram and electrocardiogram readings. Myocardial infarctions can cause trigger points to develop within the rectus thoracis, which can manifest into longstanding chest pain.
Authors and Affiliations
Kelechi O Ibezim, Kenzi J Holcomb, Kathleen J Hoban, Patrick M Jeffers, Sumathilatha Sakthi-Velavan
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP599158
- DOI -
- Views 55
- Downloads 0
Morphometric study of sternal foramen in adult human dry sternum
Sternal foramens are congenital defects of sternum. It develops as a result of incomplete fusion of sternabrae. This study was conducted in Department of Anatomy, Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli in 50 adult dry...
Integral segmental bi-lateral renal arteries and unilateral renal veins in a cadaver: A new classification
Right and left additional single renal arteries and additional two right renal veins were observed in a female cadaver. Additional arteries arose from the abdominal aorta and entered kidney at inferior borders of renal h...
Retrorenal appendix: An atypical position of the vermiform appendix
Purpose: Appendicitis is one of the most common clinical conditions requiring emergency surgery. Variations in the anatomical position of vermiform appendix can result in different clinical presentations. A thorough know...
Unilateral duplex ureter
A routine cadaveric dissection of a 77 year old female with metastatic breast cancer demonstrated an ectopic unilateral left duplex ureter. The duplicated ureters originated separately at the renal pelvis, communicating...
Variations of interdigital flexion creases–inciting the curiosity of the researchers, professionals and the public
Missing or extra digital creases in individuals with or without certain syndromes and/or phenotypic changes are a source of continuous interest for geneticists, researchers and even forensic professionals. Still, with th...