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Could constant cough cause rib injury?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have annual breast MRI for a history of breast cancer. I had one last week, and the breasts looked normal. But, there was some linear enhancement on two ribs. I had rib x-rays after and they were normal. I am having a bone scan next week. My question is that prior to this MRI I had a horrible cough, cold and felt pain in my ribs from the constant coughing. Could this enhancement be related to that?
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • It is possible that you might have had a slight injury to your ribs due to coughing. It is not a complete fracture, though.
  • The MRI scan picked up these lines of bone edema and therefore, linear areas of enhancement showing acute stress fracture are possible from a cough.
  • It will help to know if your vitamin D levels are low and if your bones are weak.

For further information consult a radiologist online.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Could the MRI show inflammation like costochondritis or a rib bruise? The report also said that the anterior rib enhancement had an associated T2 hyperintense signal. What does this mean?

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • The rib enhancement and associated T2 hyperintensity means that the part of the rib is having good vascular supply and shows bone edema.
  • Inflammation like Tietze syndrome (costochondritis) or rib bruise from repeated coughing can cause the above features.

For further information consult a radiologist online.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At February 5, 2017
Reviewed At April 30, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vivek Chail
Dr. Vivek Chail

General Practitioner

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vivek Chail is a General Practitioner and Family Physician committed to delivering holistic and comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. He provides preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care for a wide spectrum of medical conditions. He provides patient education and lifestyle counseling for long-term health and wellness. He is well-versed in chronic disease management for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and thyroid disorders. He is an expert in the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic illnesses across all age groups.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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