Osteolytic lesion indicating Pseudomonas sternal osteomyelitis

Abstract

Two cases of osteolytic lesion of the sternum were caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both were in heroin addicts, and both occurred as a delayed reaction to injury in an automobile accident. Bony curettage and appropriate antibiotic therapy were sufficient for diagnosis and cure. Tobramycin sulfate (3 mg/kg/day), a new aminoglycoside, was successfully used in both instances. Excision of the sternum was not necessary.