Rib Osteomyelitis in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med. 2018 Oct 16;2(4):294-296. doi: 10.5811/cpcem.2018.9.39481. eCollection 2018 Nov.

Abstract

We present a case report and review of the literature of rib osteomyelitis in a pediatric patient presenting to the emergency department (ED) with fever and increased work of breathing. The patient was seen on a return visit to the ED after discharge with presumed viral illness approximately 12 hours prior. On the second ED visit, there was concern for occult bacteremia, and work-up ultimately revealed a subperiosteal abscess with rib osteomyelitis, a rare etiology for fever in the pediatric patient. The patient was treated with antibiotics, had surgical debridement, and fully recovered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports