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[Necrotizing mediastinitis in deep neck infections].
Karla Renata Cárdenas-Malta1, Ana Olivia Cortés-Flores, Clotilde Fuentes-Orozco
1Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, IMSS, Guadalajara, Jalisco.
Cirugia Y Cirujanos
|November 15, 2005
Summary
Mediastinitis, a rare deep neck infection complication, often presents with delayed diagnosis and requires extensive surgical intervention. High mortality rates underscore the need for prompt identification and treatment of these severe infections.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Mediastinitis is a severe complication of deep neck abscesses.
- Delayed diagnosis of the primary infection site can lead to accelerated mediastinal spread.
- This condition carries a high mortality rate.
Purpose:
- To report treatment outcomes for patients with mediastinitis secondary to deep neck infections.
- To highlight challenges in diagnosis and management.
Summary:
- A case series of five patients with mediastinitis from deep neck abscesses revealed a mean age of 42.2 years.
- All patients experienced diagnostic delays exceeding 3 days, requiring extensive surgical management including cervical and mediastinal drainage, tracheotomy, and mechanical ventilation.
- Mortality was high at 60%.
Impact:
- Delayed diagnosis is a significant factor contributing to poor outcomes in mediastinitis.
- Early identification and aggressive treatment are crucial for improving survival rates.
- This study emphasizes the need for vigilance in diagnosing deep neck infections and their potential to spread to the mediastinum.