AJR 2003; 181:1065-1070.
Li AE, Fishman EK.
Complication rates for median sternotomy range from 0.5% to 5%, and mortality rates from these complications range from 7% to 80% [1]. Complications may affect the presternal (cellulitis, sinus tracts, abscess), sternal (osteomyelitis, dehiscence), or retrosternal (mediastinitis, hematoma, abscess) compartments. CT has an integral role as an aid in evaluating and characterizing poststernotomy complications, particularly when performed after postoperative day 14 [2]. In addition, because of its improved spatial resolution and ability to interactively display complex anatomy, mul-tidetector CT (MDCT) with three-dimensional volume rendering can be useful for surgical planning. We describe how median sternotomy is performed, discuss CT protocols for evaluating patients after median sternotomy, and describe normal and abnormal findings on CT.