title: Purulent mediastinal abscess secondary to Ludwig's angina.
abstract: A case of Ludwig's angina dissected along deep cervical fascial planes into the mediastinum caused a virulent mediastinitis and abscess. Computed tomography precisely delineated the extent of the infection. Incomplete débridement resulted in a residual abscess and persistent systemic sepsis that culminated in the patient's death. Aggressive antibiotic treatment of the orofacial cellulitis along with complete mediastinal drainage are recommended for optimal outcome.
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008158:Ludwig's Angina / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008477:Mediastinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013492:Suppuration