retrosternal
- adjective
- /ˌrɛtroʊˈstɜrnəl/
- Specialized
- A 65-year-old woman was admitted to a local emergency department due to chest pain in the retrosternal region associated with severe dyspnea.
Examples
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The patient was not in respiratory distress, but he did complain of retrosternal pain.
Academic text (2002) -
During the delivery of the retrosternal thyroid, the nerve discharged several times; as a result, less aggressive traction was placed on the thyroid.
Academic text (2005) -
This may be particularly useful if the retrosternal component is cystic.
Academic text (2006) -
PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): Figure 1: Sternal fragmentation and loss of the integrity of the retrosternal soft tissue fat indicating mediastinitis as well as a false aortic aneurysm.
Academic text (2007) -
The doctor diagnosed the patient with a retrosternal condition after examining his symptoms.
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She felt a sharp retrosternal discomfort that made it difficult to breathe.
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The retrosternal area can often be a source of pain during certain respiratory illnesses.
Synonyms
1
8.7
Below or behind the breastbone in the chest
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word retrosternal comes from retro- meaning 'behind' and sternum meaning 'breastbone', so it literally means 'behind the breastbone'. That is why doctors use it for pain or other problems felt behind the middle of the chest.