An inflammatory process affecting the mediastinum.

Symptoms of Mediastinitis

The following features are indicative of Mediastinitis:
  • shortness of breath
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • swelling of the chest
  • irritation of the chest area between the lungs
  • pleuritic chest pain
  • hemoptysis
  • chills

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Common Causes of Mediastinitis

The following are the most common causes of Mediastinitis:
  • bacterial infection
  • histoplasmosis
  • sarcoidosis
  • tuberculosis

Risk Factors for Mediastinitis

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Mediastinitis:
  • esophagus disease
  • diabetes mellitus
  • problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract
  • recent chest surgery or endoscopy
  • weakened immune system

Prevention of Mediastinitis

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Mediastinitis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • keep surgical wounds clean and dry after surgery

Occurrence of Mediastinitis

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Mediastinitis cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Mediastinitis most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged > 50 years

Common Gender

Mediastinitis can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Mediastinitis

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Mediastinitis:
  • Chest CT scan: To see the size, shape, and position of the lungs and structures in the chest
  • Chest X-ray: To create pictures of the structures in and around the chest
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: To check chest infection

Doctor for Diagnosis of Mediastinitis

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Mediastinitis:
  • Pulmonologist

Complications of Mediastinitis if untreated

Yes, Mediastinitis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Mediastinitis is left untreated:
  • spread of the infection to the bloodstream, blood vessels, bones, heart, lungs
  • scarring

Procedures for Treatment of Mediastinitis

The following procedures are used to treat Mediastinitis:
  • Surgery: To remove the area of inflammation

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Mediastinitis.

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