Notching of the ribs

Notching of the ribs (or rib notching) is a radiologic sign where the surface of the rib is deformed. It can be characterized as unilateral or bilateral, and should be differentiated between affecting the upper (superior) or lower (inferior) surface of the rib.

Causes

Inferior rib notching can be associated with

.

Causes of inferior rib notching by etiology:

Arterial:

(TOF), absent pulmonary artery and pulmonary stenosis.

Venous: arteriovenous malformations of chest wall, superior vena cava or other central venous obstruction.

Neurogenic: intercostal neuroma,

.

Osseous: hyperparathyroidism, thalassemia, Melnick–Needles syndrome.^[2]

Other causes of superior rib notching include:

.

References