Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
06:02

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess

Published on: March 2, 2020

Aspergillosis of the posterior mediastinum

W J Wells1, A H Fox, P R Theodore

  • 1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis can invade the mediastinum in immunosuppressed children, leading to severe complications like aortic aneurysm rupture and spinal cord involvement. This rare but serious condition requires increased awareness among healthcare professionals.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a significant cause of mortality in immunosuppressed patients.
  • Mediastinal invasion by Aspergillus is an exceptionally rare complication of IPA.

Observation:

  • This study observed 13 immunosuppressed pediatric patients with IPA.
  • Three of these patients experienced posterior mediastinal invasion by Aspergillus.

Findings:

  • Two patients developed mycotic aortic aneurysms, with one requiring successful surgical intervention.
  • Two patients suffered spinal cord involvement, resulting in severe neurological deficits.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of mediastinal aspergillosis is crucial for early diagnosis and management in immunocompromised pediatric populations.
  • This highlights a potentially underestimated complication in the growing population of highly immunosuppressed children.

More Related Videos

Laparoscopic Posterior Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy for Distal Pancreatic Carcinoma03:55

Laparoscopic Posterior Radical Antegrade Modular Pancreatosplenectomy for Distal Pancreatic Carcinoma

Published on: December 29, 2023

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis06:59

Catheter-based Endovascular Angioplasty for Fibrosing Mediastinitis-associated Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

Published on: August 26, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Veins of Thorax01:19

Veins of Thorax

The azygos system is a crucial part of the body's circulatory system and drains most of the thorax. It comprises the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory hemiazygos veins.
The azygos vein, positioned just right of the midline and anterior to the vertebral column, begins at the junction of the right ascending lumbar and subcostal veins, terminating in the superior vena cava. This vein drains blood from the right side of the thoracic wall, thoracic viscera, and posterior abdominal wall.
The...
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...