Sternoclavicular osteomyelitis and pyoarthrosis as a complication of subclavian vein catheterization. A case report and review of the literature

Numerous complications have been attributed to subclavian vein catheterization. Osteomyelitis and/or sternoclavicular pyoarthrosis is a rarely mentioned complication, previously reported only four times. Soft tissue infections occur frequently and respond well to topical and antibiotic treatment. If symptoms should persist for several weeks, osteomyelitis and/or sternoclavicular pyoarthrosis should be considered. We advocate management with early surgical intervention. Bone and gallium scans are helpful diagnostically, but CT scans offer the best assessment of the sternoclavicular joint itself. Surgery has produced excellent results, without functional compromise.