Lethal fibrosing mediastinitis in a child possibly due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare benign disease resulting from an excessive fibro-inflammatory reaction in the mediastinum that can compress and occlude mediastinal structures. There is a granulomatous and a diffuse non-granulomatous form of FM. We present a case of granulomatous FM following possible tuberculosis in a young child who presented with severe compression of the airways, pulmonary artery and the superior vena cava (SVC), unresponsive to treatment, resulting in death. Bronchoscopic findings included concentric narrowing and mucosal hyperaemia of the tracheobronchial airways. This case raises awareness of this rare complication and the limited treatment options available.