Case Of the Week (COW) 15 Dec 2013
Answer:
Sternal Dehiscence.
Findings:
Mediastinal widening ,Rt paratracheal stripe widening, Cardiomegaly, Midline sternal wires.
Discussion:
Sternal dehiscence is an uncommon complication of median sternotomy occurring in approximately 3% to 5% of patients . Plain X-ray of the sternum will most commonly reveal sternal wire abnormalities.CT can help detect sternal complications such as dehiscence, paramedian sternotomy, and osteomyelitis. Early sternal osteomyelitis is difficult to differentiate from minor sternal irregularities caused by the bone saw and anatomic variants. Eventually, frank bone destruction, severe demineralization, and dehiscence are seen. CT can show subtle erosions, periosteal reaction, sharply marginated sclerosis, and swelling in the adjacent soft tissues.
REFERENCE: AJNR-. OCT 2003;181: 1065-1070. 10.2214/ajr.181.4.1811065
Answer:
Sternal Dehiscence.
Findings:
Mediastinal widening ,Rt paratracheal stripe widening, Cardiomegaly, Midline sternal wires.
Discussion:
Sternal dehiscence is an uncommon complication of median sternotomy occurring in approximately 3% to 5% of patients . Plain X-ray of the sternum will most commonly reveal sternal wire abnormalities.CT can help detect sternal complications such as dehiscence, paramedian sternotomy, and osteomyelitis. Early sternal osteomyelitis is difficult to differentiate from minor sternal irregularities caused by the bone saw and anatomic variants. Eventually, frank bone destruction, severe demineralization, and dehiscence are seen. CT can show subtle erosions, periosteal reaction, sharply marginated sclerosis, and swelling in the adjacent soft tissues.
REFERENCE: AJNR-. OCT 2003;181: 1065-1070. 10.2214/ajr.181.4.1811065