Xiphodynia with limited decrease in the xiphoid process-sternal angle but recognised compression of the rectus abdominis

Abstract

A woman in her 70s presented with epigastric pain accompanied by radiating pain. Despite various examinations showing no abnormalities, tenderness was identified on palpation of the xiphoid process. The symptoms were alleviated with a local injection of lidocaine, leading to a diagnosis of xiphodynia. While previous cases have often reported a decrease in the xiphoid process-sternal angle, this case exhibited minimal reduction in the xiphoid process-sternal angle. Conversely, compression findings were observed in the soft tissues, including the rectus abdominis, anterior to the xiphoid process. This case report suggests that in the imaging diagnosis of xiphodynia, consideration of compression findings in the soft tissues anterior to the xiphoid process may also be valuable.

Keywords: General practice / family medicine; Musculoskeletal syndromes; Radiology (diagnostics).