Answer to Medical Challenge

The answer to the CT scan image medical challenge is #3, Intercostal Muscle Rupture.

The image shows subcutaneous emphysema and an intercostal muscle defect between the ribs.  the patient recovered after repair of the intercostal hernia.  Subcutaneous emphysema is air under the surface of the skin.

It is not unusual for these muscles between the ribcage to be strained or even get small tears with sports, extreme coughing or trauma.  It is very unusual for the tear to be this extreme and affect the pleura around the lung and the lung itself.

Thanks for your diagnoses.