Descending necrotizing mediastinitis of odontogenic origin

Abstract

Introduction: Inappropriate and ineffective treatment of odontogenic infections can cause life-threatening complications such as Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis (MND). MDN is a serious infection that affects the neck-thorax, with a high mortality rate from sepsis and organ failure if it is not treated quickly and effectively. Aim: To describe a case of MND of odontogenic origin and its medical-surgical mana-gement. Case report: We present a 34-year-old male patient who is admitted with an acute infectious condition of odontogenic origin, which compromises spaces of the head, neck and thorax (upper medias-tinum), which is treated successfully. Discussion: Odontogenic infections are generally localized and can be treated by conventional therapies. In spite of this, if these infections cannot be controlled, either by not carrying out appropriate treatments or by immunosuppressed states of the patient, different complications such as MND can develop. Conclusion: A rapid diagnosis, aggressive surgical treatment, adequate anti-biotic therapy and supportive care are the fundamental pillars for the management of MND.