U Shaped Sternum: A Rare Malformation Demonstrated on Bone Scintigraphy in an Adult Patient

Sternal malformations are rare congenital malformations of the chest wall. Only a few cases have been reported. Most cases are diagnosed shortly after birth and are reported only rarely in adults. The defects are usually detected on radiographs or computed tomographic (CT) scan. Bone scintigraphy usually has no role in the diagnosis of these congenital defects. Cleft sternum is one of the most common sternal malformations. It results from failure of midline fusion of the two parts of the sternum. It is seen in two forms, complete and incomplete, and it may present as an isolated form or associated with other congenital anomalies, such as cardiac or vascular defects. The defect is corrected surgically for cosmetic purpose and to protect the underlying exposed mediastinal structures. The authors report the case of a complete cleft sternum in an adult detected on bone scintigraphy.