Sterile Mediastinal Gas Mimicking Abscess in Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Six weeks after aortic aneurysm repair, computed tomography (CT) showed mediastinal gas where absorbable gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) was used. A leukocyte scan labeled with indium 111, however, was normal and surgical exploration showed no infection. Sterile gas collections may be seen following absorbable gelatin sponge use many weeks after surgery and 111In-labeled leukocyte scanning may be a useful differential test.