The Dangers of Chest Compression: A Case Report.

Chest injuries after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are common, but subsequent infected parasternal collections after CPR are uncommonly described. We present a case of a 49-year-old female with a history of intravenous drug use (IVDU) who developed multiple sternal and rib fractures and a large infected parasternal collection after community CPR following a heroin overdose. She was treated with antibiotics and required surgical evacuation of the collection. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing post-CPR chest wall complications early to prevent serious morbidity.