Unveiling 12th Rib Syndrome: A Case Report of 2 Cases and Diagnostic Insights

Twelfth (12th) rib syndrome, a rare condition that causes hypochondrial and flank pain, involves the irritation or entrapment of the 12th intercostal nerve due to structural abnormalities or trauma to the 12th rib. This study presents a case report of a 54-year-old gentleman with persistent left hypochondrium pain and a 78-year-old lady with unremitting right hypochondrium pain despite multiple outpatient department visits in different sub-specialties over a prolonged period of time. The patients were evaluated and diagnosed with 12th rib syndrome. This article aims to enhance the awareness of 12th rib syndrome among clinicians, underscore the importance of considering it in differential diagnoses for hypochondrium pain, and provide insights into effective management approaches.