[Pathogenesis of fibrosing mediastinitis caused by common etiologies]

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare disease characterized primarily by symptoms caused by compression of mediastinal structures. Currently, the diagnosis and treatment of FM focus predominantly on addressing mechanical complications, while understanding of its etiology and pathogenesis remains limited. The etiology of FM is complex and diverse, and it remains unclear whether different causative factors share common pathogenic mechanisms. This article systematically reviews existing literature to elucidate the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of FM caused by common etiologies from the perspective of primary diseases or comorbidities, with particular emphasis on the roles of inflammatory activation, immune responses, and fibrotic processes in its onset and progression. Studies indicate that FM driven by different etiologies exhibit variations in initiation and perpetuation mechanisms, suggesting the need for further mechanistic research targeting specific causative factors to advance precision diagnosis and treatment of this disease.