Aspergillus flavus costochondritis following coronary artery bypass grafting: a case report and a brief review of literature

Abstract

Bacterial sternal wound infections following cardiac surgery are not uncommon. However, sternal wound infection by a fungus is a rarity, and it warrants a correct diagnosis followed by specific treatment. We report a case of Aspergillus sternal wound infection with costochondritis following cardiac surgery, and briefly review the relevant literature.

Sternal osteomyelitis caused by Aspergillus fumigatus years after coronary artery bypass grafting: A case report

“…In this case, the infection was initially dismissed by infectious disease due to the individuals lack of symptoms. Given the subclinical nature of Aspergillus osteomyelitis presentation, one should have a high clinical suspicion, and antifungal treatment and surgery should be completed as soon as possible [4] .…”

“…Amphotericin B is also indicated as primary and salvage therapy but is preferred second to azoles in clinical practice due to more frequent severe adverse events [1] . Furthermore, voriconazole is proven superior to Amphotericin B in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis with improved survival 1 , 3 , 4 . It is suggested that treatment with voriconazole should last a minimum of 8 weeks and in some cases greater than 6 months [1] .…”