Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a serious, life threatening complication that can occur from a common odontogenic infection. Even with advancements in antibiotics, diagnostic imaging, and surgical management, the mortality rate remains between 20 and 40%. It is imperative that the practitioner taking care of patients with odontogenic infections be sensitized to this potentially fatal complication. We report the successful management of a case of mediastinitis complicating an odontogenic infection in a 39-year-old male.
Elastofibroma (EF) is a rare soft tissue lesion that most commonly develops in the subscapular region. To date, there has been only one documented example of oral EF; presenting as a painless nodule in the floor of the mouth of a middle-aged female. Described herein, we report a male patient who developed EF in the floor of the mouth; in his case, also presenting as an asymptomatic nodular growth. Acute onset and a history of regional surgery and radiation therapy suggest a reactive etiology.
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