Xiphodynia and prominence of the xyphoid process. Value of xiphosternal angle measurement: three case reports

Abstract

We describe three cases of xiphodynia in patients with prominence of the xyphoid process under the skin. The xiphosternal angle was 105°, 135°, and 120° in these three patients, respectively, compared to a mean of 172 ± 15° in 60 individuals without xiphodynia evaluated by computed tomography for another reason. The prominence of the xyphoid process caused discomfort and local irritation and was the source of the pain in all three patients. This abnormality should be looked for routinely in patients reporting xiphodynia.