CT after reconstructive repair of the sternum and chest wall. Radiology 1993 Mar;186(3):665-70
Date
03/01/1993Pubmed ID
8430171DOI
10.1148/radiology.186.3.8430171Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0027463593 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 16 CitationsAbstract
Acute mediastinitis and sternal infection after sternotomy are potentially devastating complications, but considerable advances in treatment have been made during the past decade. Sternectomy followed by reconstruction with use of either an omental transposition or a muscle flap has markedly decreased mortality and morbidity. After extensive rib resection, various reconstructive repairs, including the use of polytetrafluoroethylene mesh, have proved successful. The authors retrospectively reviewed 27 postoperative computed tomographic (CT) scans obtained in 19 patients. Twelve of these patients had sternal wounds repaired with either omental or muscle flap procedures. Seven patients had chest wall reconstructions with polytetrafluoroethylene patches, muscle transpositions, or both. The authors found no cases of unexpected or unexplained fluid collections on CT scans obtained beyond the 1st month. Any persistent or recurrent collection is suggestive of infection. If clinical and imaging findings are at odds, imaging-directed needle aspiration can help determine whether a fluid collection is infected and in need of further treatment.
Author List
Maddern IR, Goodman LR, Almassi GH, Haasler GB, McManus RP, Olinger GNAuthor
G Hossein Almassi MD Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdultAged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Omentum
Pectoralis Muscles
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Postoperative Complications
Retrospective Studies
Sternum
Surgical Flaps
Surgical Mesh
Surgical Wound Infection
Thoracoplasty
Tomography, X-Ray Computed