Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis as a Complication of Dental Cervical Cellulitis: A Case Report and Review

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis remains a serious condition with a high mortality rate due to its often fulminant clinical presentation. An early diagnosis and a well conducted multidisciplinary therapeutic management are essential to reduce morbi-mortality. Delayed diagnosis, inappropriate antibiotic therapy, non-optimal surgical drainage or lack of surveillance may increase morbidity and mortality. We report the case of a descending necrotizing mediastinitis complicating a dental cervical cellulitis in a 27 year old female patient with a successful outcome.