Sternal erythema: A distinctive postsurgical eruption - 21/08/11
Tampa, Florida
Abstract |
Background/Objective |
Wound complications constitute a diverse array of surgical and dermatologic entities. We sought to describe the clinical and pathologic attributes of a series of patients in whom a distinctive thoracic surgical wound eruption developed after coronary bypass grafting.
Methods |
We performed a detailed chart review, including history, surgical procedure notes, and biopsy findings, obtained from 3 patients; we examined the data and reconciled them with conventional etiologies in an attempt to discern a shared diagnosis and pathogenesis.
Results |
The patients were white men (59, 68, and 73 years of age) in whom roughly symmetrical asymptomatic erythema developed within the borders of their sternal thoracotomy wounds between 1 and 2 years after open heart surgery. The cutaneous findings consisted of macular erythema and poikiloderma that blanched with external pressure. Biopsy findings yielded epithelial atrophy with capillary telangiectases.
Conclusion |
Although cellulitis, dermal hypersensitivity to surgically implanted hardware including sternal wire, and an anatomic variant of costal fringe remain as possible diagnoses, an additional consideration includes a form of postsurgical reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
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Funding sources: None. Conflicts of interest: None. Reprints not available from the authors. |
Vol 53 - N° 5
P. 893-896 - novembre 2005 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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