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Mediastinitis from odontogenic infection. A case report
1Craniofacial Fellow, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Eaton Road, Liverpool, L12 2AP. pappaelena@hotmail.com
British Dental Journal
|May 17, 2005
Summary
A dental infection led to mediastinitis in a 40-year-old male. Despite treatment, the infection spread to the chest, requiring surgery for empyema and purulent pericarditis.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Infectious Diseases
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Dental infections can rarely lead to severe complications.
- Mediastinitis is a serious condition that can arise from deep neck space infections.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old male presented with a dental infection that progressed to a submandibular abscess.
- Despite initial treatment including abscess drainage and antibiotics, the infection extended to the pericardial and pleural cavities.
Findings:
- The patient developed empyema and purulent pericarditis secondary to the dental infection.
- Surgical interventions, including drainage procedures and thoracotomies, were necessary for management.
- Computed tomography (CT) was instrumental in monitoring disease progression and treatment response.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for dental infections to cause life-threatening mediastinitis.
- Prompt recognition and aggressive management are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Multidisciplinary approaches involving dental, infectious disease, and thoracic surgery specialists are essential.