Two Cases of Deep Neck Infection with Mediastinal Involvement / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Deep neck space infections affect fascial compartments of the head and neck, and their contents. Acute mediastinitis occasionally occurs as a complication of neck infections resulting in neck sepsis, which spreads to the mediastinum via the cervical fascial planes, and this is best referred to as descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM). We recently experienced two cases of deep neck infection dissecting along cervical fascial planes into the mediastinum causing a virulent mediastinitis. Aggressive antibiotic treatment of the deep neck infections along with prompt complete mediastinal drainage are recommended for optimal outcome.