title: [Pleural empyema as a complication of descending necrotizing mediastinitis].
abstract: Fulminant infections of oropharyngeal origin may cause the most lethal form of mediastinitis due to extension of the infection along the neck fascial planes or by lymphatic way: descending necrotizing mediastinitis. Two cases of this rare life-threatening entity of odontogenic and tonsillar origin are reported. A pleural empyema and pericarditis as complications were observed. Bacteriologic etiology, possibilities of the early diagnosis and the aggressive treatment by means of a thoracotomy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Katedry i Kliniki Chirurgii Klatki Piersiowej w Gdańsku.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sobolewska
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skokowski
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jadczuk
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000150:complications*; D009336:Necrosis; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000209:etiology; D011671:Pulpitis / Q000150:complications; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000150:complications*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*