Beloosesky Yichayaou, Grinblat Joseph, Katz Miriam, Hendel David, Sommer Rochelle
Department of Geriatrics, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Clin Imaging. 2003 Jul-Aug;27(4):261-4. doi: 10.1016/s0899-7071(02)00548-x.
We describe clinical and sonographic features of pectoralis major rupture in the elderly, which is relatively rare and unknown. Patients presented with a large pectoral ecchymosis extending to the axilla, chest wall, breast and arm. The pectoral area was sensitive, sometimes with a visible and palpable defect in the axilla. Ultrasound examination showed a large hypoechoic, well-circumscribed structure representing a hematoma within the pectoralis major muscle, partially replacing the normal echo muscle pattern. Ultrasonography is a useful, low cost diagnostic tool, and is recommended in the investigation of pectoralis major rupture in the elderly.
