Descending necrotizing mediastinitis. A case report
Kabiri, H.; Manesouri, M.; Smahi, M.; al Aziz, S.; el Meslout, A.; Benosman, A.
Chirurgie; Memoires de l'Academie de Chirurgie 124(3): 313-317
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-4001 PMID: 10429307 Document Number: 505092
Descending necrotizing mediastinitis which may occur as a complication of neglected oropharynx infection is an uncommon disease, although it is lethal in most cases. Trismus and dyspnea are usual with palpable crepitation located in the cervico-thoracic area. Early diagnosis can be confirmed with accuracy by CT scan. Treatment is based on early mediastinal drainage by cervical approach, intravenous antibiotics and reanimation. The reported case had a favorable outcome.