[A case of deep neck abscess and acute mediastinitis, secondary to peritonsillar abscess]

A 60-year-old female visited a hospital complaining of fever and pharyngeal pain. She was diagnosed as peritonsillar abscess. Initial conservative treatment was not curative, and deep neck and mediastinal abscess developed. After cervical drainage, she was referred to our hospital. Drainage tube was inserted via epigastrium into anterior mediastinum upwardly under local anesthesia. Postoperative course was uneventful, and she was cured and discharged after about 1 month of hospitalization. We stressed the importance of recognition of the mediastinitis as a complication of cervical infections. And immediate drainage procedure is required as soon as the diagnosis is established.