Mediastinitis

Mediastinitis (pronunciation: /ˌmiːdiːæstɪˈnaɪtɪs/) is a serious medical condition that involves inflammation and infection of the mediastinum. The mediastinum is the space in the chest between the lungs that contains the heart, esophagus, trachea, and major blood vessels.

Etymology

The term "mediastinitis" is derived from the Latin "mediastinum" meaning "midway" and the Greek "-itis" meaning "inflammation".

Causes

Mediastinitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including bacterial or fungal infections, trauma to the chest, or complications from surgery or other medical procedures. It is often associated with esophageal perforation and sternotomy, a surgical procedure in which the chest is cut open.

Symptoms

Symptoms of mediastinitis can include severe chest pain, fever, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as sepsis, cardiac tamponade, or pneumothorax.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of mediastinitis typically involves imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, as well as blood tests to identify the presence of infection. In some cases, a biopsy of the mediastinum may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for mediastinitis usually involves antibiotics to treat the infection, and in severe cases, surgery may be required to drain the infected area and repair any damage.

Related Terms

• Esophagus
• Trachea
• Sepsis
• Cardiac Tamponade
• Pneumothorax
• Biopsy
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Mediastinitis
• Wikipedia's article - Mediastinitis

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