Morphology of the bifid xiphoid process or foramen: is there a difference in cadaver or imaging?

Abstract

Context: Anatomical variations of the sternum are frequent, in particular, the occurrence of foramina and divisions of the xiphoid process. The authors have used means of investigation ranging from dissection to imaging tests to detect these variations. Objective: To report a case of bifid xiphoid process in a male human fetus and/or xiphoid foramen through macroscopic analysis, complemented by the use of X-ray image. Case report: Anatomical variations were found at the level of the xiphoid appendix of the sternum such as a bifid formation of the appendix and a foramen found on X-ray imaging, located in the middle of a fibrous tissue that separated the two divisions of the xiphoid process. Conclusion: The present findings point to the need for greater collaboration in the use of other methods for studying the anatomical variations of the sternum. For example, Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT). This will be of great value to anatomists and specialists in imaging diagnostics.