Pyogenic granuloma caused by exposed sternotomy wires.

BACKGROUND

This case describes a 75-year-old African American man who developed a pyogenic granuloma on the chest due to trauma induced by exposed sternotomy wires from his coronary bypass procedure.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a previously unreported cause of pyogenic granuloma.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The pyogenic granuloma was excised and during the procedure, exposed sternotomy wires were uncoiled at the base of the lesion. The sternotomy wires were retightened and reappositioned along the sternum, and the wound was closed primarily.

RESULTS

The pyogenic granuloma has not recurred after 15 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Pyogenic granulomas are vascular benign tumors that commonly appear secondary to trauma. The source of the trauma in this case was the exposed sternotomy wires.