Objective: To report a case of descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM), an unusual illness in childhood that develops as a complication of oropharyngeal infection.
Design: Descriptive case report.
Setting: Pediatric intensive care unit.
Patient: A 19-month-old boy with a DNM that resulted from a pharyngeal abscess.
Interventions: Aggressive surgical debridement; intravenous therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Measurements and main results: Simple chest radiograph and computed tomographic scan, and routine culture were used to assess the patient. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical drainage resulted in clinical resolution of symptoms.
Conclusions: An aggressive approach (broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical debridement) can improve the prognosis of DNM in children.