Staphylococcus aureus costal osteomyelitis with complicated by pleural effusion in a 7-month-old infant: A misleading clinical presentation

• Published in: Radiology case reports Vol. 19; no. 6; pp. 2362 - 2366
• Main Authors: Lamiri, Rachida, Habachi, Ghada, Zayani, Seyfeddine, Salah, Radhouane Ben, Daya, Abir, Abdelaali, Mabrouk, Mekki, Mongi, Kechiche, Nahla, Sahnoun, Lassaad
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01-06-2024
• ISSN: 1930-0433; 1930-0433
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2024.02.097

Osteomyelitis is a rare infectious disease in children, predominantly affecting long bones; however, its clinical presentation can be ambiguous if the location is atypical. Costal osteomyelitis is very rare in children and can mimic other pathologies. We present a case of a seven-month-old infant diagnosed with costal osteomyelitis complicated by rupture of a subperiosteal abscess into the pleura. His clinical condition improved with conservative treatment, which included chest drain insertion and intravenous antibiotic therapy without the need for surgical debridement. Rib osteomyelitis represents a potentially severe condition. Early detection is imperative to prevent the necessity for invasive therapies and mitigate long-term complications.