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Mediastinitis secondary to invasive infection by group A Streptococcus in Spain
I Mellado-Sola1, E Cobo-Vázquez2,3, A Calvo-Fernandez4
1Pediatric and Infectious Diseases Department, La Paz University Hospital, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Pº Castellana, 261, Madrid, 28046, Spain. imesola@gmail.com.
Abstract:
This study describes 5 mediastinitis cases secondary to invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease in a recent outbreak in Spain. Among 398 iGAS cases between January 2019-March 2023, 5 (1.3%) were mediastinitis, 4 occurring in December 2022, all secondary to pneumonia or deep neck infection. We outline the clinical outcome with a review of the scarce pediatric literature. Conclusion: mediastinistis is a rare but severe complication of iGAS and a high level of suspicion is required to diagnose it. What is Known: • Group A Streptococcus can cause invasive and severe infections in children. • Mediastinitis is a severe complication from some bacterial infections, mainly secondary due to deep-neck abscesses. What is New: • Mediastinitis is an unrecognized complication due to an invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infection. • In cases of a deep-neck abscess or complicated pneumonia a high clinical suspicion of iGAS mediastinitis is required, especially when the clinical course is not favorable.
Insights
Invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) can cause mediastinitis, a rare but severe pediatric complication. Early diagnosis is crucial, especially with deep neck infections or pneumonia, requiring high clinical suspicion for favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is known to cause invasive and severe pediatric infections.
- Mediastinitis, a serious infection of the chest cavity, is typically linked to deep-neck abscesses.
Conclusions:
- Mediastinitis is a rare but severe complication of iGAS infections in children.
- A high index of clinical suspicion is necessary for prompt diagnosis, particularly in patients with deep neck infections or complicated pneumonia.
- Early recognition and management are critical for improving outcomes in iGAS-related mediastinitis.
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