Sterno-costo-clavicular hyperostosis. A case report with a review of the literature

Abstract

The clinical and radiologic findings in a case of sterno-costo-clavicular hyperostosis are reported and compared with the findings in the 23 Caucasian and about 300 Japanese cases reported in the literature. The main complaints are pain in the upper anterior chest wall and sometimes limited mobility of the shoulders. Radiologically, the clavicles, the sternum and the first ribs are grossly enlarged with complete fusion between them. As reported in previous cases, our patient had conspicuous congestion of the external jugular veins, but no other signs of compression in the thoracic inlet. There was asymptomatic compression of both subclavian veins, but none of the previously reported skin manifestations and no complaints from other parts of the locomotive system. The patient was HLA-B27 negative.