LX Pyogenic Mediastinal Infections: Their Significance to the Otorhinolaryngologist

Whereas otorhinolaryngologists primarily are interested in lesions affecting the upper respiratory tract and its appendages, infections of the mediastinum, although anatomically relatively distant, are of significance to them. The vast majority of mediastinal infections result from pharyngeal and esophageal injuries and gravitating infections from the neck. Because of the high incidence of neck infections in lesions of the upper respiratory tract which are commonly treated by otorhinolaryngologists and because most cervical infections are potential causes of mediastinitis, a consideration of this subject is pertinent. Although the mediastinal extension of cervical infections is extremely dangerous, the prevention of such a complication is relatively easy by the timely institution of appropriate measures. Acute mediastinitis may be classified according to various criteria, i. e., location, type of lesion, and pathogenesis. The following etiologic classification of mediastinitis is presented:

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