Case of Sternoclavİcular Joİnt Arthrİtİs Confused Wİth Catheter-Related Tunnel İnfectİon

Sternoclavicular joint arthritis is a rare but challenging condition that can lead to serious complications, particularly in patients with underlying health conditions. Delayed diagnosis may result in life-threatening complications, including osteomyelitis, mediastinitis, and sepsis. We present the case of an 85-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and end-stage renal disease, undergoing hemodialysis through a jugular venous catheter. She was admitted with fever and fatigue, initially diagnosed as catheter-related infection. Despite broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, her inflammatory markers remained elevated, prompting further investigation. Imaging revealed findings consistent with sternoclavicular joint arthritis. Given her limited response to antibiotics, intravenous corticosteroid therapy was introduced, leading to significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering rare complications, such as sternoclavicular joint inflammatory arthritis, in patients undergoing hemodialysis with central venous catheters, especially when symptoms do not respond to standard infection management. Early recognition and targeted treatment are essential to avoid severe morbidity in this vulnerable population.