Clinical Presentation
A patient who has undergone revascularization surgery, now presenting with chest pain, swelling of the anterior chest wall, and fever.
Imaging Findings
(A–C) Axial noncontrast-enhanced (A) and contrast-enhanced (B) images and noncontrast-enhanced sagittal reconstruction (C) show full-length, midline sternotomy dehiscence. A large, low-density fluid collection in the presternal region of the anterior chest wall is in continuity with the anterior mediastinum (arrows).
Differential Diagnosis
• Poststernotomy dehiscence, infection, and abscess: In a patient with fever and pain who has previously undergone surgical sternotomy, a presternal fluid collection and sternal wound dehiscence, with or without mediastinal fluid, are consistent with infection.
• Poststernotomy hematoma or seroma:
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
