Computed Tomography Scanning for Sternal Wound Infections: A Systematic Review

Sternal wound infection (SWI) has always been a significant risk in patients who undergo sternotomies as part of their cardiac surgical procedures. Computed tomography (CT) imaging is often used to diagnose and assess sternal wound infections. Its purpose includes identifying and locating infection and any sternal dehiscence. A systematic literature review across PubMed, Embase, and Ovid was performed according to PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant articles that discussed the utility of CT scanning for SWI, common features identified, patient outcomes and sensitivity/specificity (Figure 1). 25 papers were included. 100% (n=25) of the papers were published in peer-reviewed journals. CT scans in SWIs can be seen as a beneficial aid in diagnosing as well as determining the components of infection. Commonalities were identified such as fluid collection in the mediastinum, free gas, pleural effusions, and sternal dehiscence which point towards the presence of sternal wound infection. CT scanning is a novel and emerging methodology for imaging in SWI and post-sternotomy complications, hence increased research is required to expand the literature on this area as well as the creation of guidelines and cut-offs or signs for radiology professionals to identify and determine the extent of infection. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024 Ulster Medical Society.

Outcomes in cardiac implantable electronic device-related infective endocarditis: a systematic review of current literature

Aim: Cardiac implantable electronic device infective endocarditis is a serious infection with poor prognosis. Materials & methods: The systematic review of the literature was conducted using searches from the various databases. We included studies published between January 2010 and June 2021. Results: A total of 35 articles met the inclusion criteria. Patients were approximately 70 years old and an average of 71.2% of patients were male. The most common presenting feature was a fever. The modified Duke criteria was used to aid diagnosis. Management entailed extraction of the cardiac implantable electronic device in 80.5% of the studies. The overall mortality rates ranged from 4 to 36%. The most frequently isolated organism was Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: Cardiac implantable electronic device infective endocarditis needs timely diagnosis and effective management for promising outcomes

Computed Tomography Scanning for Sternal Wound Infections: A Systematic Review.

BackgroundSternal wound infection (SWI) has always been a significant risk in patients who undergo sternotomies as part of their cardiac surgical procedures. Computed tomography (CT) imaging is often used to diagnose and assess sternal wound infections. Its purpose includes identifying and locating infection and any sternal dehiscence.MethodsA systematic literature review across PubMed, Embase, and Ovid was performed according to PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant articles that discussed the utility of CT scanning for SWI, common features identified, patient outcomes and sensitivity/specificity (Figure 1).Results25 papers were included. 100% (n=25) of the papers were published in peer-reviewed journals. CT scans in SWIs can be seen as a beneficial aid in diagnosing as well as determining the components of infection. Commonalities were identified such as fluid collection in the mediastinum, free gas, pleural effusions, and sternal dehiscence which point towards the presence of sternal wound infection.ConclusionCT scanning is a novel and emerging methodology for imaging in SWI and post-sternotomy complications, hence increased research is required to expand the literature on this area as well as the creation of guidelines and cut-offs or signs for radiology professionals to identify and determine the extent of infection