[A case of acute mediastinitis with pyothorax secondary to peritonsillar abscess]

A 41-year-old man was admitted to a hospital elsewhere because of tonsillitis with high grade fever. On the 9th day of hospitalization, the patient complained of dysphagia and dyspnea. A chest X-ray film and a CT scan showed right pleural effusion and pericardial effusion, and he was referred to our hospital. Immediately after admission, he underwent pericardiotomy to relieve cardiac tamponade, and a right thoracic tube was inserted for pyothorax. Next day, mediastinal drainage was accomplished through a cervical incision and a right thoracotomy. Eight drainage tubes were left in place. Cultures revealed alpha-Streptococcus, Neisseria and group F Streptococci. Continuous closed irrigation with diluted Isodine (povidone iodine) solution was performed. The last extubation of the drainage tube was done on the 140th day after operation. He was cured and discharged on the 162nd day after operation. In patients with extensive acute mediastinitis secondary to deep cervical infection, early complete mediastinal drainage via a cervical and a transthoracic incision is essential.