[Chronic mediastinitis]

Although unfrequent, chronic mediastinites are not exceptional. Their clinical polymorphism results from diversity of the mediastinal content. The superior vena cava syndrome is the most frequent clinical sign. The essential examination is the angiopneumography. Mediastinitis can be associated to other fibrinogenous processes, particularly the retroperitoneal ones. Infectious processes (tuberculosis, various bacteria), parasitic or medicinal (methysergide), are found in the etiology of this affection. Very often the etiological research is negative: recurring lymphotropic respiratory infections appear responsible for these cryptogenetic chronic mediastinites. Surgery is debatable in case of a superior vena cava syndrome. Anti-tuberculous treatment is efficient against related affections.