The Annals of thoracic surgery
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Review Case Reports
Acute purulent mediastinitis and sternal osteomyelitis after closed chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report and review of the literature.
Numerous complications have been associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Acute purulent staphylococcal mediastinitis and sternal osteomyelitis are, however, unusual and do not appear to have been reported previously in association with closed chest resuscitation. ⋯ The source of bacteremia may have been a resolving phlebitis at an intravenous catheter insertion site. Early diagnosis, aggressive surgical debridement, and antibiotic therapy were key to a successful outcome.