Osteomyelitis of the clavicle after Swan-Ganz catheterization

Osteomyelitis of the clavicle is an uncommon complication of Swan-Ganz catheterization. The diagnosis should be suspected when the clinical features of fever and sterno-clavicular pain are present. Traditional roentgenograms may be falsely normal early in the disease. Radioactive isotope scanning may be helpful in establishing the diagnosis sooner, followed by tomography or computed tomography to better define the abnormality. Therapy should include long-term parenteral antibiotics and possible surgical removal.