J Korean Rheum Assoc.  2010 Jun;17(2):168-172. 10.4078/jkra.2010.17.2.168.

A Case of Escherichia Coli Sternoclavicular Septic Arthritis

• Yu HT
• Ha YJ
• Jung SY
• Lee KH
• Kim HM
• Lee SK
• Park YB

• KMID: 2201963
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jkra.2010.17.2.168

Abstract

Septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint is a rare condition. The predisposing risk factors include intravenous drug abuse, subclavian vein catheter placement, diabetes mellitus and trauma. Delayed or inadequate management can lead to irreversible joint damage with subsequent disability, even death. We report a 48-year-old female patient who presented with right sternoclavicular joint swelling and right shoulder pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of the sternum showed swelling of the right sternoclavicular joint with gadolinium enhancement. Synovial fluid and bone tissue culture revealed Escherichia coli (E.coli), and confirmed the diagnosis of sternoclavicular septic arthritis. She was successfully treated with surgical debridement and ciprofloxacin without recurrence. This is the first case report of E.coli sternoclavicular septic arthritis in Korea.

Keyword

Septic arthritis; Sternoclavicular joint; Escherichia coli

MeSH Terms

Arthritis, Infectious
Bone and Bones
Catheters
Ciprofloxacin
Debridement
Diabetes Mellitus
Escherichia
Escherichia coli
Female
Gadolinium
Humans
Joints
Korea
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Middle Aged
Recurrence
Risk Factors
Shoulder Pain
Sternoclavicular Joint
Sternum
Subclavian Vein
Substance Abuse, Intravenous
Synovial Fluid
Ciprofloxacin
Gadolinium