A case of septic arthritis of the manubriosternal and chondrosternal joints

Although rare, septic arthritis of the manubriosternal and chrondrosternal joints should be considered in the presence of a parasternal mass with fever and/or local signs of inflammation. MRI has an important role in the diagnosis. Blood cultures should be obtained routinely. We report an 80-year-old man with painful sternal swelling and fever. Chest MRI and PET scan were consistent with septic arthritis of the manubriosternal and chrondrosternal joints. Blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The evolution was favorable under antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks.