[Osteoarticular infections associated with catheterization of the subclavian vein]

Access to a central way through catheterization of the subclavian vein is a widely used technique. Not uncommonly, the procedure is followed by infective complications among which clavicular osteomyelitis and septic sternoclavicular arthritis represent a rare eventuality. We report two cases of staphylococcic bacteremia produced after subclavian vein catheterization. Both patients presented septic sternoclavicular arthritis and osteomyelitis of the sternal manubrium. The isolated microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis methicillin-resistant, respectively. The clinical course under antibiotic therapy was satisfactory in both cases. Septic metastases appear to be the most likely pathogenic mechanism for the osteoarticular complications.