Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: a case report

Abstract

Acute mediastinitis is a serious condition, secondary to esophageal perforation or an infectious complication of a trans-sternal cardiothoracic surgery and, in rare cases, secondary to a primary oropharyngeal infection with progression to cervical region and mediastinal extension through muscle facies. The case of a 45-year-old white smoker alcoholic male is reported. Four days before admission, he began with toothache and applied himself topical analgesics without medical prescription. Mediastinitis is a rare complication, of difficult diagnosis and high mortality, which constitutes the most lethal form of mediastinal infection. Therefore, concerning it, the most important point is now, and will always be, prevention.

Keywords

• perforación del esófago/complicaciones
• factores de riesgo
• mediastinitis/diagnóstico