A Xiphoid Elongation Following a Trauma Laparotomy: A Case Report

Abstract

Xiphoid elongation is a rare phenomenon where the xiphoid process elongates after stimuli such assurgery, physical therapy, or trauma. We report on a 47-year-old male involved in a traffic accidentwho went into cardiac arrest. He received ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation for nine minutesbefore recovery of cardiac rhythm, and transfer from a local hospital to the trauma center. He receivedmanagement for hypotensive shock which was temporarily corrected using Resuscitative EndovascularBalloon Occlusion of the Aorta, and underwent trauma laparotomy in which ileocolic artery ligation anda splenectomy were performed. Six months later, the patient reported epigastric discomfort when he bentover. A hard, linear mass was palpated along the upper midline incision scar and a computed tomographyscan showed an elongated xiphoid process (10 cm). The patient underwent surgical excision, andelectrocauterization of the xiphoid process. This is a rare case of xiphoid elongation following multiplestimuli to the xiphoid process.