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Hematogenous Dissemination of Enteric Organisms Causing Costal Chondritis and Chest Wall Cellulitis

Hematogenous Dissemination of Enteric Organisms Causing Costal Chondritis and Chest Wall Cellulitis▶ Watch on YouTube — age-restricted, cannot embed here

Imaging findings

Intra-abdominal drain and abscesses related to metastatic colon cancer and bowel issues are present. Anterior chest wall abnormalities include multiple striking lesions within the costal cartilages on both sides of the sternum, consistent with infection, and adjacent chest wall cellulitis.

Key takeaways

Patients with severe intra-abdominal infections, especially in the context of metastatic colon cancer and fistulas, are susceptible to hematogenous dissemination of enteric organisms like E. coli. This can result in unusual infections such as costal chondritis and chest wall cellulitis, indicating widespread systemic infection.

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