„Descending necrotizing mediastinitis“ infolge tiefer Halsinfektionen

BACKGROUND: "Descending necrotizing mediastinitis" (DNM) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of deep neck infections caused by the rapid downward spread of a oropharyngeal infection along the facial planes into the mediastinum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 1997 and December 2004, 6 patients with DNM were treated in our department. The primary etiology was a peritonsillar abscess in 2 cases, a parapharyngeal abscess in 3 cases and in 1 case an odontogenic abscess. Most patients presented with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus or alcoholism, the mean age was 44.3 years and the mean duration of signs before diagnosis was 6.3 days. Thoracotomy was associated with the cervical approach in 4 cases and tracheostomy was also performed in 4 cases. RESULTS: Four patients were successfully treated, the mean duration of hospitalisation was 48.2 days and 2 patients died from sepsis and multiorgan failure despite intensive treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis must be detected as soon as possible. The mean symptoms are persistent complaints after treatment of oropharyngeal infections, which may be masked by analgetic treatment. Only an immediate computer tomographic scanning, aggressive surgical drainage and debridement of the neck and the mediastinum can reduce the high mortality rate.     

Mediastinitis and neck abscess following cervical spinal fracture

Neck abscess and mediastinitis are rare complications of cervical spinal injury. Often there is a delay in diagnosis because the physical and laboratory signs of abscess are falsely attributed to the vertebral injury. Prognosis is directly related to the expediency of recognition of infection and surgical drainage. Three cases of neck abscess with mediastinitis that were seen over a four-year period at the spinal cord unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital are reviewed.     

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus as a pathogen in deep neck abscesses: a pediatric case series

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric deep neck space abscesses are frequently treated by the otolaryngologist. We report four children with deep neck abscesses caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), including the first described case of descending mediastinitis caused by MRSA in a child. METHODS: Records from March 2001 to April 2002 were reviewed. RESULTS: Four patients presented with neck swelling, and three of these also had leukocytosis. All abscess cultures were positive for MRSA. Abscess drainage with antibiotic therapy successfully treated three cases without complication. The fourth case developed descending mediastinitis but survived after additional surgical treatment and prolonged antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA should be considered as a potential pathogen in deep neck space abscesses. A high index of suspicion is needed as well as aggressive treatment including incision and drainage along with culture-directed medical therapy. Surgical drainage may be the most important aspect of therapy.     

Management of descending necrotizing mediastinitis

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is caused by downward spread of neck infections and constitutes a highly lethal complication of oropharyngeal lesions. This infection previously had a much worse prognosis. In recent years, more aggressive management has been recommended. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results with the association of thoracotomy and cervicotomy, medical care in an intensive care unit, and daily washing of drained cervical and thoracic tissues. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of 17 patients treated from 1984 to 1998. METHOD: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis was consecutive to pharyngitis (6 cases), peritonsillar abscess (3 cases), dental abscess (6 cases), foreign body infection (1 case), and laryngitis (1 case). Corticotherapy was reported in seven cases. Twelve patients had no particular medical history. Mean age was 42 years. Mean duration of signs before diagnosis was 6 days. Thoracotomy was associated with the cervical approach in 14 cases, whereas 3 patients were treated by cervicotomy only. RESULTS: Fourteen patients of 17 (82.3%) were successfully treated. Three deaths occurred. The mean duration of hospitalization in the intensive care unit was 30 days, and the mean total duration of hospitalization was 45 days. CONCLUSION: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis must be detected as soon as possible by computed tomography (CT) scanning in patients with persistent symptomatologia after treatment for oropharyngeal infections. Prompt surgical drainage with thoracotomy and cervicotomy in all cases of mediastinal involvement below the tracheal carena, use of CT scanning to monitor the disease evolution, and medical management in an intensive care unit significantly reduces the mortality rate to less than 20%.     

Endotracheal intubation with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with abnormal anatomic conditions of the head and neck

We performed a retrospective chart review to evaluate the indications for endotracheal intubation via flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients who were scheduled for surgery or who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit of our 1100-bed, tertiary care university hospital. We reviewed 9201 clinical records of anesthetic procedures during which endotracheal intubation had been performed from January to December 2002. We identified 66 patients who had been intubated with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. On preanesthetic examination, 61 of these patients had been found to be poor candidates for conventional laryngoscopic intubation-51 because of abnormal head and neck anatomy and 10 because of reduced visual access to the airway (Mallampati class IV). The remaining 5 patients were intubated via flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy after conventional intubation had failed during emergency surgery. Our study emphasizes (1) the importance of the preanesthetic examination of surgical patients, to identify those in whom conventional intubation would likely be problematic, and (2) the need to have fiberoptic bronchoscopes and an anesthesiologist or bronchoscopist skilled in their use available in operating suites and intensive care units.     

Redefining parapharyngeal space infections

OBJECTIVES: Our intent was to review the clinical signs, computed tomography (CT) scans, treatment, and outcome of parapharyngeal space infections (PPIs), and to define 2 types of infections of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) according to the location of the infectious process. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized in a tertiary university hospital with a diagnosis of PPI, abscess, or deep neck abscess between 1988 and 2004. Files and CT scans were reviewed after classification into 2 groups: 1) infection located in the posterior part of the PPS (PostPPI); and 2) infection located in the anterior part of the PPS (AntPPI). RESULTS: Twenty-two patients had a PostPPI; their ages ranged from 10 months to 24 years. Five patients underwent surgical drainage, and 17 others were treated solely with intravenous antibiotic therapy. No pus was found during surgery in 2 patients. The average time of hospitalization was 10 days. Only 1 complication (aspiration pneumonia) was observed. Seven patients had an AntPPI; their ages ranged from 1.5 years to 65 years. All patients underwent surgical drainage, and pus was detected in all cases. The average time of hospitalization was 35 days. Complications (septic shock, respiratory arrest, mediastinitis, pleural empyema, pericarditis) were observed in 4 patients. CONCLUSIONS: The term "parapharyngeal abscess" was assigned long before the CT scan era, and was based on physical examination and plain film radiology. In essence, the entity PPS "abscess" or "infection" is composed of 2 different disorders. Infection located in the posterior part of the PPS with no invasion into the parapharyngeal fat and with no extension into other cervical spaces except the adjacent retropharyngeal space may be termed posterior parapharyngeal infection or parapharyngeal lymphadenitis. This is a relatively benign condition, and nonsurgical treatment should be considered. Infection involving the parapharyngeal fat may be termed parapharyngeal abscess or deep neck abscess. Diffusion into the mediastinum and other severe complications are frequent. Urgent surgical drainage is therefore mandatory.     

Parapharyngeal abscess: comprehensive management protocol

Parapharyngeal infections are rare, but they cause serious morbidity and mortality. Therefore, until now, the recommended treatment of parapharyngeal abscess has been early open surgical drainage. The purpose of this study is to review the clinical course and outcome of treatment in parapharyngeal abscess according to method of treatment. A prospective study was designed for parapharyngeal abscess in patients admitted for deep neck infection. During an 8-year period, from June 1994 to January 2003, 34 patients were enrolled. All had contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging and confirmation of an abscess in the parapharyngeal space. All patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics. We treated 19 cases (conservative group) with antibiotics only or needle aspiration and 15 (surgical group) with intraoral or external drainage. The mean duration of hospitalization was 8.2 days in the conservative group and 11.6 days in the surgical group. There was no complication except mediastinitis in 1 case of the conservative group. Because of severe dyspnea, 5 patients required tracheotomy. Neck CT scan is a useful diagnostic tool to detect and establish the treatment plan of parapharyngeal abscess. Parapharyngeal abscess may, in some cases, respond to antibiotics, become localized to the parapharyngeal space and be treated conservatively with no need for early open surgical drainage.     

Infections of the deep neck spaces with accompanying mediastinitis

BACKGROUND: Infections of the deep neck spaces with accompanying mediastinitis are still a therapeutic problem with a high mortality. PATIENTS: We report on three patients with deep neck space infections and accompanying mediastinitis who have been treated in the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology at the Universities of Bochum and Essen in the past 2 years. In two patients the infection originated from a peritonsillar abscess and in one patient from an odontogenic infection. THERAPY: One patient was successfully treated by a tonsillectomy and drainage of the parapharyngeal abscess in conjunction with a thoracotomy because of a mediastinal abscess and bilateral pneumothorax. The second patient was cured by a tonsillectomy, wide cervical drainage und cervical mediastinotomy. The third patient with pre-existent alcohol abuse died because of multiorgan failure despite wide cervical und mediastinal drainage. CONCLUSION: In every deep neck infection a mediastinal involvement has to be taken into account. Fast diagnosis and treatment are essential for the prognosis of this life-threatening disease.     

Severe sepsis as a complication of descending necrotizing mediastinitis due to a peritonsillar abscess. A case study

Descending necrotic mediastinitis is a serious illness which, among others, follows acute bacterial infections located in a cervical area. One of the most frequent causes of this illness, not connected with surgical interventions, is a peritonsillar and peridental abscess. The process originally placed in the peritonsillar area spreads along the cervical fascia engulfs mediastinum. Inflammatory process of the mediastinum considerably worsens the prognosis and obligates to decisive surgical (mediastinum drainage) and pharmacological (antibiotic therapy) treatments. The following works presents the course of the illness of a 55-year-old man who was diagnosed with severe sepsis in the course of the peritonsillar abscess. After surgical provision of the abscess (incision) the patient was qualified for the therapy with activated protein C (Xigris, Lilly). The patient condition initially improved, however, after 8 days a descending necrotic mediastinitis with ambilateral pleural abscess was diagnosed. The administration of the treatment within 48 days of hospitalization (antibiotic therapy, thoracotomy, flow drainage of the mediastinum, tracheotomy, respirotherapy) brought about the effect of complete recovery.     

Clinical features of 5 patients with descending necrotizing mediastinitis originating from deep neck infection

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis originating from deep neck infection is one of the most serious diseases in the head and neck region. Delayed diagnosis leads to death. We examined 5 cases of descending necrotizing mediastinitis, successfully treated with antibiotics and surgical drainage. Abscess was found in the lower part of the anterior mediastinum in 3 cases and the posterior mediastinum in 2 cases. We first conducted transcervical mediastinal drainage for 3 cases, however, thoracotomy was eventually required in all cases. For cases of abscess in the lower part of the anterior mediastinum, early and aggressive surgical drainage in collaboration with thoracic surgeons is very important and can improve survival.     

Fatal necrotizing mediastinitis as a complication of peritonsillar abscess

In the paper showed the case of fatal necrotizing phlegmon of the neck and descending mediastinitis in 48 year old male patient with primary peritonsillar abscess. On the base of literature it was showed the etiology, pathomechanism of the evolution of this heavy complication and surgical and pharmacological methods of its treatment. In spite of prompt wide incision and drainage of phlegmon of the neck and mediastinum and intensive treatment in intensive care unit conditions patient died in the image of septic shock and pus changes in the mediastinum, heart and lungs, what was showed on the base of post-mortum examination.     

Deep Neck Infections in Children: A New Approach to Diagnosis and Treatment

Forty-seven children presented with the diagnosis of a deep neck infection-either cellulitis or abscess-between January 1991 and July 1996. Forty-four (94%) had contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging consistent with this diagnosis. Three patients with no CT scan had confirmation of an abscess at surgical drainage. Parenteral antibiotics alone were effective in the treatment of 24 of 47 infections (51%): seven parapharyngeal, one retropharyngeal, and 16 combined. By CT scan these infections represented cellulitis in 17 of 24 (71%), an abscess in three of 24 (13%), and incomplete abscess in four of 24 (17%). The average duration of hospitalization for this group was 4.8 days, with symptomatic improvement usually seen within 24 hours. Surgical drainage was performed on 23 of 47 infections (49%): three parapharyngeal, 17 combined, and three of unknown specific location. In 22 of these 23 children (96%), transoral drainage of the abscess was used as the primary surgical approach. In 21 of these 22 (95%) there was complete resolution without complications or recurrence; one abscess required a subsequent external approach. CT scanning with contrast revealed that all deep neck infections were located medial (usually anteromedial) to the great vessels. Abscesses with volumes estimated to be greater than 2000 mm³ were more likely to undergo surgery, but these differences were not statistically significant. The use of contrast-enhanced CT scanning provides information regarding abscess size, location, and relative position of the great vessels for safe and successful transoral drainage. Thus we recommend CT-assisted transoral drainage for combined retropharyngeal/parapharyngeal abscesses and selected isolated parapharyngeal abscesses that do not respond to parenteral antibiotics.     

Retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal infections in children: the Toronto experience

OBJECTIVE: To review the Hospital of Sick Children, Toronto's experience of the diagnosis and management of retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal infections with particular emphasis on the role of computed tomography (CT) imaging in diagnosing the presence of an abscess. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal infections from 1987 to 1999 was performed. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, season of presentation, management and complications were reviewed. The CT scans of 27 patients who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively examined by two neuroradiologists who were blinded to the patient's history and outcome. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values for the specific features and overall assessment were calculated. RESULTS: Fifty-four children were identified. There were 46 retropharyngeal infections, 6 parapharyngeal infections and 2 patients had both retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal infections. All patients were treated with parenteral antibiotics. Thirty-seven patients underwent surgical drainage and in 27 there was a positive finding of pus. The retrospectively assessed CT scans of the 21 patients who underwent surgery were found to have a sensitivity of 81% in detecting an abscess by CT scan but the specificity was 57%. There were four complications including mediastinitis, aspiration pneumonia, internal jugular vein thrombosis and common carotid artery aneurysm. All patients recovered but abscess recurred in five patients. CONCLUSION: Not all patients with retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscesses require surgery. Whilst CT scans are helpful in diagnosing and assessing the extent of these infections they are not always accurate in detecting an abscess. A decision to drain an abscess should therefore not be made based solely on the CT findings.     

A case of cervical necrotizing soft tissue infection

We treated a 62-year-old woman with a cervical necrotizing soft tissue infection of the Streptococcus milleri group. Numerous spot gas images were recognized from the right pharynx to the neck in CT at initial diagnosis, but we chose conservative treatment because abscess findings were not clear. The inflammation improved temporarily, but we operated through an outside incision because symptoms recurred and cervical skin became necrotic after one week. Inside, the fascia were necrotic and an abscess extended from the precordia to the left upper arm and the right axillary region. The cervical skin defect was restored in due course in about 2 months and cured without mediastinitis or sepsis developing. The S. milleri group was detected in pus. A cervical necrotizing soft tissue infection does not form an abscess mainly in one space as does a normal deep neck infection and invades fascia space rapidly and widely. We took this disease into consideration and had to intervene surgical rather soon. A review of this case and the literature indicates that the S. milleri group may have become an important pathogen in cervical necrotizing soft tissue infection.     

Anesthetic and operative management of potential upper airway obstruction.

Potential or actual supraglottic airway obstruction becomes critical when general anesthesia is begun. Four cases illustrated such obstruction, and the anesthetic and surgical management of each condition was critical. In carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx and in pharyngeal abscess, the unobstructed airway in the conscious patient became impossible to secure once general anesthesia was begun. Unappreciated pathological deformity prohibited endotracheal intubation, and anesthesia precipitated obstruction. In epiglottitis and peritonsillar abscess, the nature of the impending airway obstruction was appreciated, and the selection of a safe technique to secure the airway was made. Anesthetic and surgical management of potential supraglottic obstruction includes five options: (1) oral tracheal intubation by laryngoscopy while the patient is awake; (2) awake nasotracheal intubation; (3) inhalation induction by general anesthesia with intubation; (4) rapid induction with barbiturates and muscle relaxants with intubation; and (5) tracheostomy with local anesthesia.     

Management of pediatric lateral neck infections: Does the adage "... never let the sun go down on undrained pus ..." hold true?

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric neck infections are frequently treated by Otolaryngologists, Head and Neck surgeons. The relative role of medical versus surgical treatment of pediatric neck infections is debated. The aims of this study are to analyze the management of pediatric neck infections with respect to clinical assessment, radiological assessment and treatment. METHODS: Medical records from January 1999 to June 2005 were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and five children with lateral neck infections were included in the study. The clinical diagnosis correlated with the radiology finding in 73.6% with a sensitivity of 28% and a specificity of 92% for lateral neck abscess recognition. The ultrasound finding correlated with the surgical finding in 65.2% with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 33%. When an ultrasound scan was used it changed the intended treatment plan in 10.5% of children. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate clinical assessment of lateral neck infections is poor, generally under estimating suppuration. However, when an abscess is diagnosed clinically this correlates highly with the surgical finding. Radiological assessment has inaccuracy in identifying suppuration and this should be borne in mind when being used as a diagnostic tool for neck infections.     

Lost Airway During Anesthesia Induction: Alternatives for Management

Pediatric and adult patients with upper airway obstruction pose several challenges to the anesthesiologist and otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. The initiation of general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation may progress to complete life-threatening respiratory decompensation with failure to achieve endotracheal intubation or mask ventilation. Hurried invasive maneuvers such as large-bore needle tracheal entry and cricothyrotomy are recognized salvage techniques, but other modes of extratracheal ventilation are now possible before surgical airway procedures are required. The laryngeal mask airway and esophagotracheal Combitube (Kendall Sheridan Health Care Products Co., Argyle, NY) are described, with examples of their clinical application. The combined technique of anterior commissure laryngoscopy and intubation with the gum elastic bougie is the preferred alternative for achieving tracheal entry when extratracheal ventilation cannot be accomplished. An algorithm for joint management of the problem airway by anesthesiologist and otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon is illustrated.     

Hypopharyngeal perforation: A complication of endotracheal intubation

A case of hypopharyngeal perforation secondary to traumatic endotracheal intubation is described. Clinical presentation and surgical treatment are discussed. Early diagnosis is emphasized. Tracheotomy, laryngoscopy and prompt neck exploration are advocated.     

Some complications of tracheo-oesophageal puncture for voice restoration

Tracheo-oesophageal puncture for voice restoration is now a commonly performed operation. Little has been written about the complications of this procedure. In this report, complications such as septicaemia, cellulitis, respiratory obstruction, mediastinitis and paravertebral abscess are described. The incidence of these complications can be reduced by bearing in mind the distorted anatomy in the post-laryngectomy neck.     

Life-threatening soft-tissue infections of the neck

Four adult patients had life-threatening soft-tissue infections of the neck. One had Hemophilus influenzae infection, one had Streptococcus pyogenes infection, and two had polymicrobial mixed aerobic and anaerobic infections. Three of the four patients died despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention. These cases demonstrate the spectrum of serious soft-tissue infections of the neck in both the compromised and the uncompromised host. Soft-tissue infections of the neck may be necrotizing or nonnecrotizing. Cellulitis secondary to H. influenzae and beta-hemolytic streptococci is usually non-necrotizing, whereas necrotizing infections are caused most commonly by synergistic organisms. Potential complications include septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, acute renal failure, adult respiratory distress syndrome, mediastinitis, and pericarditis. Early recognition with aggressive medical and surgical therapy is essential to reduce the mortality.