Sensitivity to sternotomy wires may cause postoperative pruritus.
An eczematous eruption developed on the anterior chest of a 58-year-old woman with known nickel sensitivity after the insertion of nickel-containing sternotomy wires. Her wound was revised with removal of the wires to give immediate and sustained relief from the itch. The electron microscopy and parasternal biopsy histology demonstrating a sarcoidal reaction are discussed.
Gordon
P M
PM
University Department of Dermatology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh NHS Trust, Scotland.
Buxton
P K
PK
McLaren
K M
KM
Aldridge
R D
RD
D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006099:Granuloma / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel; D011537:Pruritus / Q000209:etiology*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery; D013537:Sutures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014927:Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome / Q000601:surgery
D009532:Nickel