Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: a fatal complication of neglected esophageal foreign body

Descending necrotising mediastinitis due to a neglected esophageal foreign body is uncommon. It is a lethal disease if it develops with full blown clinical picture. A case is reported of descending necrotising mediastinitis caused by a foreign body in oesophagus which is rarely reported in world literature. It is emphasized that prompt diagnosis and aggressive surgical mediastinal drainage is very important for the survival of these patients. Delayed diagnosis and treatment in our case may have been the cause of death of the patient. Delayed diagnosis in our case is due to the unavailability proper health facility in remote area in developing countries like Nepal.