Chondrosternal Arthritis in Infant: An Unusual Entity. (16th October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nikolarakou, Athina; Dumitriu, Dana; Docquier, Pierre-Louis
• Other Names: Mouzopoulos George Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in orthopedics. Volume 2014(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-10-16
• Subjects: Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Orthopedics; Orthopedics; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2014/652539
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6749

Abstract

Abstract : Primary arthritis of chondrosternal joint is very rare and occurs in infants less than 18 months of age. Presentation is most often subacute but may be acute. Child presents with a parasternal mass with history of fever and/or local signs of infection. Clinical symptoms vary from a painless noninflammatory to a painful mass with local tenderness and swelling, while fever may be absent. Laboratory data show low or marginally raised levels of white blood cells and C-reactive protein, reflecting, respectively, the subacute or acute character of the infection. It is a self-limiting affection due to the adequate immune response of the patient. Evolution is generally good without antibiotherapy with a progressive spontaneous healing. A wait-and-see approach with close follow-up in the first weeks is the best therapeutic option.