A Rare Infection with High Mortality and Morbidity: Mediastinitis

Mediastinitis is an uncommon infection involving the structures of the mediastinum. Prior to the development of sophisticated techniques in cardiovasculer surgery, most cases resulted from esophageal perforation or contiguous spread from a head-neck infection. Currently mediastinitis, an important infectious complication of cardiovascular surgical procedures, has exceptional consequences for the patient. Surgical reexploration often is required for diagnosis, drainage and debridement. Long-term antibiotherapy is essential, and a prolonged, costly hospitalization is the rule. The associated mortality rate ranges from 9% to 77%