Cervical abscess secondary to bilateral sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis

Gehrking M, Parjiea CP, Zeilinger M, Müller SK, Sirbu H, Sievert M (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Otolaryngology Case Reports Elsevier

Book Volume: 37

Article Number: 100698

DOI: 10.1016/j.xocr.2025.100698

Abstract

Background: Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis is a rare infection of the sternoclavicular joint. This report describes a case presenting unusually as a cervical abscess. Case presentation: A 72-year-old diabetic female presented to the tertiary care department of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery at the university hospital with fever and painful swelling of the left side of her neck. MRI revealed a neck abscess involving the carotid sheath extending to the upper thoracic aperture. Surgical drainage was performed. After initial improvement of symptoms and infectious markers, the patient developed bilateral cellulitis of the hands from multiple cat scratches. Progressive wound deterioration in the lower neck prompted imaging, which revealed bilateral septic arthritis of the sternoclavicular joint. On both sides, resection of the joint and the medial part of the clavicle was necessary. The soft tissue defect was reconstructed with a pectoralis major muscle flap. Conclusion: Sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis should be considered as a potential underlying cause of cervical abscess. Limited infection can be treated with intravenous antibiotics. Incision and drainage can help establish a microbiological diagnosis. More extensive surgical intervention may be needed in cases of osteomyelitis or mediastinitis. Clinicians should be suspicious if cervical abscesses do not resolve in the anticipated timeframe.

Authors with CRIS profile

Mika Gehrking Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (HNO-Klinik) Chirag Pravin Parjiea Department of Thoracic Surgery Martin Zeilinger Institute of Radiology Sarina Katrin Ursel Müller-Hübner Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (HNO-Klinik) Horia Sirbu Professur für Thoraxchirurgie Matti Sievert Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (HNO-Klinik)

How to cite

APA:

Gehrking, M., Parjiea, C.P., Zeilinger, M., Müller, S.K., Sirbu, H., & Sievert, M. (2025). Cervical abscess secondary to bilateral sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis. Otolaryngology Case Reports, 37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xocr.2025.100698

MLA:

Gehrking, Mika, et al. "Cervical abscess secondary to bilateral sternoclavicular joint septic arthritis." Otolaryngology Case Reports 37 (2025).

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