A Case of Osteomyelitis of the Clavicle as a Complication of Subclavian Vein Catheterization in Hemodialysis Patient / 대한신장학회지

ABSTRACT

Osteomyelitis (OM) of the clavicle is a rare complication of the central venous catheterization and has been reported infrequently in the literature. We report here a case of OM of the left clavicle complicating right subclavian vein catheterization performed for hemodialysis (HD). A 41-year-old male patient on HD for 3 months complained of pain and mass over the left sternoclavicular joint. Computerized tomography showed a demarcated soft tissue mass. Bone scan demonstrated increased tracer uptake in the left clavicle compatible with OM. The patient underwent surgical exploration with removal of the necrotic bone and he was treated with antibiotics including vancomycin. Afterward he remained well on HD. In conclusion, OM should be considered in any dialysis patient who develops pain and signs of inflammation in the sternoclavicular area after central venous catheterization for HD.