Prevalence of cervical ribs in a Saudi population

ABSTRACT

Cervical rib was the first aetiological factor to be described in thoracic outlet syndrome. Symptomatic compression of the neurovascular structures constitutes an indication for treatment. Prevalence of cervical rib in Saudi Arabia has not been previously reported. The present clinico-radiological reports a high prevalence rate in a Saudi population in the Makkah region. Of 1,300 chest radiographs of patients attending the outpatient clinics, cervical ribs were found in 25 [1.9%] and an elongated transverse process in 2 [0.15%]. Seventy-six% were bilateral and 74% in females. Eleven of the 25 patients responded for review in a vascular clinic. Of these 9 were symptomatic. Neurogenic compression was demonstrated in 9 and vascular compression in the other 2. Radiologists and physicians should be cogniscent of the higher prevalence of symptomatic cervical rib in the Arabian Gulf region