# A Case Report of Hematogenous Osteomyelitis of the Manubrium Caused by Seeding from a Colovesicular Fistula

## TL;DR

A rare case of manubrium osteomyelitis caused by a colovesicular fistula is reported, highlighting the importance of considering multisite infections and appropriate treatment.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare instance of manubrial osteomyelitis linked to a colovesicular fistula.

## Key findings

- Manubrial osteomyelitis can present with nonspecific chest pain and may be linked to distant infection sources.
- Surgical debridement and intravenous antibiotics were effective in treating this rare condition.
- Colovesicular fistulas can lead to hematogenous seeding of osteomyelitis in unusual locations.

## Abstract

Osteomyelitis can occur at various osseous locations and commonly presents in the emergency department (ED). The incidence of osteomyelitis is 21.8 cases per 100,000 persons annually.
1
Hematogenous osteomyelitis typically occurs in the vertebrae; however, it may seldomly occur in the manubrium. Hematogenous osteomyelitis can be seen in patients with complicated thoracic surgery, radiation, fracture, diabetes, immunosuppression, steroid therapy, and malnutrition.
2
Because signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis may be nonspecific, clinicians must have high suspicion based on history and physical. Workup should include identifying the source, imaging, and surgical cultures.

A 60-year-old male with hypertension and diabetes presented with atraumatic right shoulder and chest pain. The patient presented twice to the ED for clavicle pain five days prior. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest detected osseous infection of the manubrium and upper sternum, right clavicle, and mediastinal phlegmon. A CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed osteomyelitis and discitis of the 12th thoracic and first lumbar vertebral body with gas at the psoas muscle, as well as sigmoid diverticulitis with colovesicular fistula. The patient was started on broad spectrum antibiotics and 1,500 milliliters of lactated Ringer’s in the ED. After evaluation by cardiothoracic surgery, the patient was taken to the operating room for neck exploration, incision/drainage, manubriectomy, and right sternoclavicular joint resection. Surgical, blood, urine, and respiratory cultures grew Klebsiella pneumoniae. After a 34-day hospital course, the patient was discharged on two weeks of oral levofloxacin and follow-up appointments with cardiothoracic surgery and infectious disease. The patient had good prognosis and recovery.

Hematogenous osteomyelitis to the manubrium is rare and may present with only chest pain. It is important to consider other sources that seed in the manubrium and imaging to evaluate multisite infection. Treatment should include intravenous antibiotics and/or surgical intervention for debridement with washout or manubriectomy.