What does “fibrosing mediastinitis” mean?
Fibrosing mediastinitis is an uncommon benign process resulting in the deposition and proliferation of dense fibrous tissue throughout the compartments of the mediastinum.
This Chronic inflammatory process can lead to entrapment and compression of vital mediastinal structures. (Central systemic veins, Vena Cava, Esophagus, Trachea or airways, pulmonary arteries or veins.)
The deposition of thick encasing fibrous tissue typically involves the superior mediastinum in the region of the vena cava.
What is the definition of “acute necrotizing mediastinitis” mean?
Acute necrotising mediastinitis also known as descending necrotising mediastinitis is a destructive infection of the mediastinum.
It is a life-threatening condition and without timely diagnosis and aggressive surgical management, fatal outcome is likely.
Which is the most common cause of acute necrotising mediastinitis?
The most common cause of acute necrotising mediastinitis is descending cervical infection with odontogenic origin- the disease progresses from a localised oropharyngeal infection into widespread descending cellulitis, abscess formation tissue necrosis and systematic sepsis.
How cervical infection of acute necrotising mediastinitis can be recognised?
The cervical infection of acute necrotising mediastinitis is easy to recognise with the associated: cervical edema, erythema, and tenderness as well as symptoms of neck pain, dysphagia, and odynophagia.