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Pre-sternal mass with a congenital sternal defect: a rare presentation

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Abstract

Anterior chest wall and anterior mediastinal infections are very rare in children with no predisposing thoracic surgery. Congenital sternal defects occur as a result of incomplete ossification of the sternal bone, and show a wide range of severity. We present the case of a 15-month-old boy who presented to the A&E department with an anterior chest-wall mass. After investigation, it was found to be an infective mass, with extension into the anterior mediastinum, through a previously undiagnosed 5 mm congenital sternal defect identified peri-operatively. After antibiotic therapy and surgical management the patient made complete recovery with no recurrence or complications within 6 months of review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatric Surgery, Oxford Children’s Hospital & University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK

    Ashley Ridout, Javaid Sadiq & Kokila Lakhoo

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  1. Ashley Ridout
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  2. Javaid Sadiq
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  3. Kokila Lakhoo
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Correspondence to Kokila Lakhoo.

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Ridout, A., Sadiq, J. & Lakhoo, K. Pre-sternal mass with a congenital sternal defect: a rare presentation. Pediatr Surg Int 25, 525–527 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-009-2360-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00383-009-2360-8

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