Acute purulent mediastinitis with sequential bilateral pleural empyema caused by neck trauma: A unique occurrence, a case report

ConclusionsDescending necrotizing mediastinitis due to blunt neck trauma is a rare occurrence, but can lead to late sequential bilateral empyema even after 18 days. With early diagnosis, aggressive drainage and antibiotic therapy, the patient life can be saved.The lesson we took from this case is that: 1- blunt neck trauma rarely leads to descending necrotizing mediastinitis and late sequential empyema (even after 18 days).2-If the patient does not recover from sepsis, despite optimal surgical management, contra lateral empyema or pericarditis should be considered.
Source: International Journal of Surgery Case Reports - Category: Surgery Source Type: research