Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: key points to reduce the high associated mortality in a consecutive case series.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is an acute life-threatening infection that originates in the oropharyngeal region. It is an uncommon disease with a mortality rate of about 20-40%. This high mortality is mainly attributed to delays in diagnosis and treatment and poor drainage of the mediastinum. We highlight key points that may help reduce mortality.

Case description

We analyze a retrospective case series of seven patients diagnosed with DNM between March 2019 and July 2022 at Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. The primary oropharyngeal infection was peritonsillar abscess in three cases and odontogenic abscess in four. All patients showed symptoms of severe cervical infection and symptoms suggestive of mediastinitis. A cervicothoracic computed tomogr

SUBMITTER: Venegas Pizarro MDP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10839519 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature