Have Strange Fluttering Under Rib Cage, No Pain. What Could Be The Cause?

Posted on Sat, 8 Jun 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 8 Jun 2013 Answered on

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have strange fluttering under my right rib cage. No pain. It is worse when I sit down. It has been on and off for a few weeks. I am worried about aneurysm. I also have a strong pulse in the middle of my abdomen.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (5 hours later)

Dear XXXXXXX

Thank you for your query.

I note from your age that you are not elderly. Also, you have no previous medical problems. I assume you are worried about an abdominal aneurysm. These are relatively uncommon and tend to occur in the elderly. They would not present with fluttering in the rib cage as you describe. They can produce a strong pulse felt in the abdomen. However, I think it is important that you get reassurance from your own doctor who will be able to examine you. If your doctor has any concerns, they will be able to investigate it with an abdominal CT scan.

At this stage and from the information you have given me, I think it most unlikely that you have an aneurysm.

I hope this has been of help to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr K A Pottinger. MBChB. FRCA.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad