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Mediastinitis occurring as a complication of odontogenic infections
Author(s) -
Levine Toni M.,
Wurster Carl F.,
Krespi Yosef P.
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198607000-00009
Subject(s) - mediastinitis , medicine , odontogenic infection , odontogenic , mediastinum , complication , radiology , surgery , anterior mediastinum , pathology
Mediastinitis occurring from a descending odontogenic infection occurs rarely. The diagnosis is sometimes difficult to make and is often delayed until the patient is in extremis. The physical examination is often nondiagnostic, but may include brawny edema of the neck and chest. CT scanning provides the most accurate diagnostic information. The treatment is always surgical, in combination with appropriate antibiotics. Five patients with mediastinitis secondary to odontogenic infections are presented, and the technique of transcervical drainage of the anterior and posterior mediastinum is reviewed.