CTICasesSternal Wire Dehiscence
Imaging findings
Serial chest radiographs and CT in a patient post median sternotomy and coronary artery bypass graft surgery show lateral displacement and migration of a single sternal wire, which has sliced through the sternal bone. CT confirms sternal dehiscence accompanied by a sterile retrosternal hematoma, without signs of mediastinitis.
Key takeaways
Sternal dehiscence is a mechanical complication of median sternotomy characterized by separation of the sternal halves. It is caused by wires cutting through osteoporotic bone or inadequate sternal fixation. On radiographs, it is recognized by displacement, rotation, or fracture of sternal wires. While frequently associated with infection (mediastinitis), it can occur as a sterile mechanical failure.
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