Análisis descriptivo de una serie de casos diagnosticados de mediastinitis aguda

Successful Outcome of Mediastinitis After 26 Days Delay in Diagnosis

“…Acute mediastinitis is a surgical emergency that has a high rate of mortality, ranging from 14% to 42% [1] . In most cases acute infection of mediastinum occurs because of esophageal rupture caused by neoplasm, trauma, or medical examination or treatment [4] .…”

“…Macrí et al studied 26 cases of mediastinaitis and showed that in 64% of patients, infection originated from esophagus, and in 23% of cases it originated from oropharyngeal infection or dental or peritonsillar abscess named as descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM). [1] Estrera et al published diagnostic criteria for DNM in 1983. [5] Symptoms and signs of mediastinitis such as fever, chest pain, leukocytosis, and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate are not specific but can give a clue for diagnosis in patients with a risk factor for mediastinitis [6] .…”

“… [5] Symptoms and signs of mediastinitis such as fever, chest pain, leukocytosis, and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate are not specific but can give a clue for diagnosis in patients with a risk factor for mediastinitis [6] . Because of low sensitivity and specificity, conventional X-ray is not diagnostic for mediastinitis and may delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing mortality 1, 6. In any patient with high susceptibility of mediastinitis, computerized tomography should be performed 1, 6.…”

“…Because of low sensitivity and specificity, conventional X-ray is not diagnostic for mediastinitis and may delay diagnosis and treatment, increasing mortality 1, 6. In any patient with high susceptibility of mediastinitis, computerized tomography should be performed 1, 6. Aggressive treatment should be started as soon as possible.…”

“…Mediastinitis has a mortality rate between 14% and 42% [1] . Early diagnosis and treatment can minimize mortality, [2] while delays in treatment increase rates of mortality [3] .…”