Descending necrotizing mediastinitis in early childhood: favorable outcome after aggressive treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case of descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM), an unusual illness in childhood that develops as a complication of oropharyngeal infection.


METHODS
Descriptive case report.


METHODS
Pediatric intensive care unit.


METHODS
A 19-month-old boy with a DNM that resulted from a pharyngeal abscess.


METHODS
Aggressive surgical debridement; intravenous therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics.


RESULTS
Simple chest radiograph and computed tomographic scan, and routine culture were used to assess the patient. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical drainage resulted in clinical resolution of symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
An aggressive approach (broad-spectrum antibiotics and surgical debridement) can improve the prognosis of DNM in children.
Dueñas
Joaquín
J
Pediatric Critical Care, Reina Sofía Children's Hospital, Córdoba, Spain.
García-Menor
Emilia
E
Ibarra De La Rosa
Ignacio
I
Granados
Adoración
A
Antón
Montserrat
M
Pérez-Navero
Juan L
JL
D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003646:Debridement; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008480:Mediastinitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009336:Necrosis
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents