A case of pathological rearrangement of the bone structure of ribs, simulating their fracture

T., 39 years old, considers herself ill since the beginning of 1983. She had a severe cough, at first dry, later with mucopurulent sputum. During the year she was treated as an outpatient, taking antibiotics and cough pills. In December 1983, she was admitted to a hospital in Kazan, but her condition did not improve. In spring 1984 her cough sharply intensified again, body temperature increased, amount of sputum increased, shortness of breath, which at times became suffocation, general weakness, sweating, poor appetite and weight loss became disturbing. Past illnesses: measles, scarlet fever.