Descending necrotizing mediastinitis secondary to a dental infection
Autopsy And Case Reports
Descending necrotizing mediastinitis secondary to a dental infection
Autor Correspondente: E. M. Oliveira Junior | [email protected]
Palavras-chave: mediastinitis, therapeutics
Resumos Cadastrados
Resumo Inglês:
Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a rare type of deep infection of the
soft tissues of the face, originating from cervical and oral infections, typically
dental infections. It is associated with high mortality, due to its high invasive
potential and the fact that the diagnosis is often delayed. We report the case
of a 42-year-old female patient presenting with severe trismus, fever, purulent
intraoral drainage, dysphagia, and dysphonia, accompanied by edema and
redness in the cervical region. She was diagnosed with necrotizing descending
mediastinitis secondary to a dental infection after the extraction of a mandibular
third molar. The patient underwent surgical drainage and intravenous antibiotic
therapy. Despite the development of septicemia, the evolution was favorable
and the patient was discharged on post-admission day 20. Early and accurate
diagnosis, together with prompt treatment, is imperative for better outcomes
in this rare condition.
