Descending necrotizing mediastinitis: its early detection and acceptable approach

Abstract

Mediastinitis is caused by various diseases. Especially, descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a life-threatening emergency after dental and oropharyngeal infection. Every physician should acknowledge the DNM and, in this article, the DNM is reviewed. The dental and oropharyngeal disease is common in DNM, however, if cervical and chest symptom is apparent, neck and chest CT shoud be conducted immediately for early detection of DNM. Aggressive neck and mediastinal surgical drainage is essential for the patient survival. Postoperative follow-up using CT is useful for detecting the recurrence of abscess.