title: The importance of the "sloping rib" in interventional radiology procedures of the chest.
abstract: Invasive procedures of the chest in radiology require anatomical awareness of variations in thoracic rib anomalies. The "sloping rib" is a descriptive term the authors use to describe an entity that may present a problem when attempting to remove fluid from the pleural space and/or tissue from the lung. The anomaly has been observed in muscle-wasting disorders, severe osteoporosis, metabolic diseases, and in idiopathic scoliosis of the thoracic spine. The significance to patient care and diagnosis will be discussed.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Graves
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Shaver
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D005471:Fluoroscopy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012272:Ribs / Q000002:abnormalities*