Heterotopic Ossification of the Xiphoid After Chest Compressions.

Abstract

This report describes the case of a 56-year-old woman with a 6-year history of severe epigastric pain after chest compressions for cardiac arrest. A comprehensive gastrointestinal workup was negative. However, an abdominal computed tomographic scan demonstrated an elongated xiphoid process. After a xiphoid trigger point injection, she experienced pain relief lasting 4 days, and thus her symptoms were attributed to xiphoidalgia secondary to heterotopic ossification after trauma. She underwent open resection of the xiphoid process. Heterotopic ossification of the xiphoid process is rare. This report documents a case of heterotopic ossification secondary to trauma from chest compressions.