Late presentation of a deep sternal wound infection and left breast abscess

• Published in: Journal of wound care Vol. 23; no. Sup2b; pp. S23 - S25
• Main Authors: Mustafa, A., Carr, C., Alkhafagi, S., Mughal, N., Omer, M., Alkhulaifi, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London MA Healthcare 01-02-2014
• Subjects: Abscess - complications; Abscess - microbiology; Acinetobacter baumannii; Acinetobacter Infections - complications; Breast Diseases - complications; Breast Diseases - microbiology; Coronary Artery Bypass - adverse effects; Debridement - methods; Diabetic Angiopathies - surgery; Female; Humans; Klebsiella Infections - complications; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Middle Aged; Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; Nursing; Practice; Sternum - pathology; Surgical Wound Infection - diagnosis; Surgical Wound Infection - microbiology; Surgical Wound Infection - pathology; Surgical Wound Infection - surgery; Time Factors; sternal wound infection; negative pressure wound therapy; surgical debridement
• DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2014.23.Sup2b.S23
• EISSN: 2052-2916
• ISSN: 0969-0700

In this paper, we present a case review of a 58-year-old female who presented to our emergency department with pyrexia, dyspnoea, dehydration and pain in her left breast six months following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Although her sternotomy wound had healed well, examination revealed fluctuance of the whole precordium and left breast. She underwent antibiotic treatment and subsequent surgical debridement, followed by the application of vacuum-assisted dressings. Surgical reconstruction was deemed unsuitable and therefore the patient continued to be managed with vacuum dressings followed by routine dressings to allow the wound to heal by secondary intention. The patient was discharged three months after initial presentation in a good condition. The wound had completely healed four months later.