Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: trends in a developing country
Chaudhary, N.; Agrawal, S.; Rai, A.K.
Ear Nose and Throat Journal 84(4): 242; 244 246-242,8 Passim
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5613 PMID: 15929325 Document Number: 592449
Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is believed to be a rare and serious complication of odontogenic and oropharyngeal infections. It is associated with a high (up to 40%) mortality rate, which can be attributed to delays in diagnosis and inadequate surgical drainage. Between May 1999 and September 2002, we treated 7 cases at our institution in New Delhi, indicating that such fulminating infections are not so rare in developing countries. In our 7 cases, a high index of suspicion and early computed tomography helped us make a rapid diagnosis and initiate prompt treatment, which resulted in a favorable outcome in 6 cases (mortality rate: 14.3%).