IS Case 354: Rhomboid Fossa

Daniel T. Ginat, MD, MS

2009 URMC Imaging Sciences
Publication Date: 2010-03-01

History

Patient is a 23-year-old male status post gunshot wound to the chest.

Findings

There are irregular lytic foci along the inferior aspects of the bilateral proximal clavicles without evidence of fracture.

Diagnosis

Rhomboid Fossa

Discussion

The rhomboid fossa is an indentation along the inferior border of the medial clavicle, which marks the site of attachment of the costoclavicular ligament.

This anatomical feature is apparent on about 30% of radiographs. It may not necessarily be bilaterally symmetric.

The pseudo-lesion appearance of the rhomboid fossa should not be mistaken for neoplasm or infection.

References

  1. De Wilde V, De Maeseneer M, Lenchik L, Van Roy P, Beeckman P, Osteaux M. Normal osseous variants presenting as cystic or lucent areas on radiography and CT imaging: a pictorial overview. Eur J Radiol. 2004 Jul;51(1):77-84. PMID: 15186889
  2. Schwartz DT, Reisdorff EJ. Emergency Medicine. McGraw-Hill Professional. 1999; 118.

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