A Rare Normal Variant with an Unusual Presentation on a Male Mammogram: A Case Report
The sternalis muscle is a rare supernumerary muscle representing a normal anatomical variant in the anterior thoracic musculature. Due to wide variation in its morphology and relative unfamiliarity among radiologists, it has been implicated in the misdiagnosis of breast masses on mammography. A 2...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
The Korean Society of Radiology
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.3348/jksr.2024.0054 |
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| Summary: | The sternalis muscle is a rare supernumerary muscle representing a normal anatomical
variant in the anterior thoracic musculature. Due to wide variation in its morphology and
relative unfamiliarity among radiologists, it has been implicated in the misdiagnosis of breast
masses on mammography. A 23-year-old male with no significant medical history was referred
to our institution for further management of painless bilateral breast enlargement
since adolescence. Physical examination revealed breasts of slightly prominent size but
there was no palpable breast lump. Mammography work-up found symmetrical, well-defined
soft tissue masses projected over the posteromedial aspect of both breasts. Imaging
findings were consistent with bilateral sternalis muscles, unusually hypertrophic in size due
to intense upper body weight training by the patient. This case highlights the importance of
recognizing the usual and unusual presentations of the sternalis muscles on mammography
to avoid any unnecessary work-up. |
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| ISSN: | 2951-0805 |