Mediastinal Irrigation in the Treatment of Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis

    Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rare clinical condition associated with high risk morbidity and mortality rate. Early diagnosis, effective antibiotherapy, and surgical drainage constitute the main principle of management. We present our treatment strategy of two cases of DNM and compare our results with previous studies. We believe the treatment of this high mortality rate condition should include both mediastinal and pleural irrigation together with complete surgical drainage and debridemen