Primary sternal osteomyelitis presenting as a pleural-based mass.
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.
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Department of Medical Specialties, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston.
Whimbey
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Walsh
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D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013249:Sternum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed