The Chest X-Ray Database
The Chest X-Ray Database
This radiograph shows a patient with cleidocranial dysplasia. The right clavicle is entirely absent and the left clavicle is severely hypoplastic. The shoulders are depressed bilaterally due to lack of articulation with the axial skeleton. Metallic foreign objects projecting of the left acromion process are most likely retained nerve stimulator leads. Unfused spinous processes are seen in the lower cervical and upper thoracic spine.
The remainder of the exam is unremarkable.
This radiograph demonstrates bilateral cervical ribs, right greater than left. They are congenital and may be of no clinical significance. In some individuals, it can cause or contribute to thoracic outlet syndrome by compressing the subclavian vein, artery, and/or nerve. Cervical ribs may be resected in these cases.
There is also an incidental small, dense (likely calcified) nodule in the right lower lung and a probable calcified right hilar lymph node. This patient lives in an endemic area for Histoplasma capsulatum. Remote infection is the most likely etiology.