PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - E. Weaver
AU  - X. Nguyen
AU  - M. A. Brooks
TI  - Descending necrotising mediastinitis: two case reports and review of the literature
AID  - 10.1183/09059180.00001110
DP  - 2010 Jun 01
TA  - European Respiratory Review
PG  - 141--149
VI  - 19
IP  - 116
4099  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/116/141.short
4100  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/116/141.full
SO  - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW2010 Jun 01; 19
AB  - Descending necrotising mediastinitis is a rare and serious infection with a high mortality rate, which complicates pharyngeal or odontogenic infection. Early recognition and treatment are essential in order to minimise morbidity. Evaluation with computed tomography is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and facilitate surgical planning. In addition to prompt empirical antiobiotic therapy, surgical intervention is necessary in nearly all cases. Surgical drainage and debridement may be performed through cervicotomy alone, or through combined cervicotomy and thoracotomy, depending upon the extent of disease. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may play an auxiliary role. We present two recent cases with characteristic imaging findings, and review the relevant literature.