Pre-sternal mass with a congenital sternal defect: a rare presentation.
Anterior chest wall and anterior mediastinal infections are very rare in children with no predisposing thoracic surgery. Congenital sternal defects occur as a result of incomplete ossification of the sternal bone, and show a wide range of severity. We present the case of a 15-month-old boy who presented to the A&E department with an anterior chest-wall mass. After investigation, it was found to be an infective mass, with extension into the anterior mediastinum, through a previously undiagnosed 5 mm congenital sternal defect identified peri-operatively. After antibiotic therapy and surgical management the patient made complete recovery with no recurrence or complications within 6 months of review.
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Oxford Children's Hospital & University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.
Ashley
A
Ridout
Javaid
J
Sadiq
Kokila
K
Lakhoo
D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008482:Mediastinum; D013249:Sternum / Q000002:abnormalities*; D035423:Thoracic Cavity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed