The Sternalis Muscles

Abstract

The sternalis muscle is an unusual normal variant of the chest wall musculature running parallel to the sternum with various sizes and most sternalis muscles are flat on MDCT. Unilateral distribution is more common, and the size of muscle is larger in males. Its incidence is 6.2% in Korean population. Radiologists should be familiar with the image findings of the sternalis muscle to avoid any confusing pathologic lesions and facilitate its clinical use such as flap.