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Slipping Rib Syndrome

A Place for Sonography in the Diagnosis of a Frequently Overlooked Cause of Abdominal or Low Thoracic Pain

Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland

Jean-Yves Meuwly, MD, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital, rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.

Objective. To describe the sonographic appearance of a poorly recognized cause of low thoracic or upper abdominal pain. Methods. Three sonographic descriptions of slipping rib syndrome are presented. Results. The 3 patients had abnormal mobility of a cartilaginous rib, which could slip over an adjacent rib during abdominal muscle contraction. Conclusions. Slipping rib syndrome should be considered in patients with histories of upper abdominal or low thoracic pain of unknown origin. We suggest that high-resolution sonography of the costal margin should be added to abdominal sonography in cases of nonspecific abdominal pain.

Key Words: abdominal pain • chest pain • joint diseases • ribs • sonography.

Abbreviations: SRS • slipping rib syndrome