Magnetic resonance imaging in a child with primary sternal osteomyelitis.

Primary sternal osteomyelitis (PSO) is rare. In a 9-year-old boy with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, magnetic resonance imaging helped to promptly establish the diagnosis of PSO. Eleven previously reported cases are reviewed, emphasiz ing surgical drainage and antimicrobial therapy for optimal outcome. Magnetic resonance imaging may be superior to other imaging studies for the diagnosis of PSO.