A Case of Escherichia Coli Sternoclavicular Septic Arthritis / 대한류마티스학회지

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.