J Korean Assoc Maxillofac Plast Reconstr Surg.  1997 Nov;19(4):399-405.

A CASE REPORT OF MEDIASTINITIS FROM ODONTOGENIC INFECTION

• Youn KH

Abstract

Mediastinum is the space located between the right & left lung lobes in the center of the thorax, and contatins many vital organs such as heart, aorta, trachea, esophagus, vagus nerve, lymphatics. So the infection of mediastinal space causes a serious and potentially fatal process. Like other infections, surgical drainage, aggressive antibiotic therapy and supportive care are recommended for optimal outcome. Airway management in the presence of the neck, glottic edema, elevation of the tongue is a formidible problem especially in the case from odontogenic origin. We have recently encountered such a case resulting in a number of local and systemic complications.

MeSH Terms

Airway Management
Aorta
Drainage
Edema
Esophagus
Heart
Lung
Mediastinitis*
Mediastinum
Neck
Thorax
Tongue
Trachea
Vagus Nerve