Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2007 Oct;40(10):711-714.

Treatment of Phlegmonous Esophagitis Combined with Mediastinitis

• I H
• Park CS
• Kim YD

Abstract

Phlegmonous esophagitis is a disorder in which bacterial infection occurs in the submucosal and muscular layers of the esophagus. This malady is very rare and it is usually associated with high mortality. A 69-year-old male was admitted with chest pain and fever he'd experienced for 7 days. The chest computerized tomography scan revealed mediastinal widening, circumferential esophageal thickening, an air shadow along the esophagus and right pleural effusion. Drainage and debridement of the mediastinum and primary repair of the perforated esophageal muscular layer through a right thoracotomy was done immediately. Further surgical treatment was not performed. He had a good oral intake without dysphagia or esophageal leakage at discharge.

Keyword

Esophageal perforation; Esophagitis; Mediastinitis; Surgery

MeSH Terms

Aged
Bacterial Infections
Cellulitis*
Chest Pain
Debridement
Deglutition Disorders
Drainage
Esophageal Perforation
Esophagitis*
Esophagus
Fever
Humans
Male
Mediastinitis*
Mediastinum
Mortality
Pleural Effusion
Thoracotomy
Thorax