Primary sternal osteomyelitis presenting as a pleural-based mass

Chest. 1993 Jun;103(6):1912-3. doi: 10.1378/chest.103.6.1912.

Abstract

Osteomyelitis in uncommon locations can present unusual diagnostic difficulties. A patient with primary sternal osteomyelitis who presented with pain over the right supraclavicular area and a radiologic picture of a pleural-based right upper lung mass is discussed. A triple-phase bone scan was consistent with the diagnosis, and a needle aspiration of the mass revealed a staphylococcal abscess. Percutaneous drainage of the contiguous abscess and a prolonged course of antibiotic therapy cured the infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnosis
  • Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnosis*
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pleural Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Sternum* / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed