Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a serious condition with few cases reported in the literature. Surgical treatment is controversial and may include wound exploration, local drainage, and even mediastinal debridement approached by thoracotomy.
Methods:
Description of a case of descending mediastinitis caused by group A Streptococcus as a complication of thyroidectomy.
Results:
Aggressive debridement was required for source control and treatment of septic shock.
Conclusion:
Post-thyroidectomy descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a rare and dangerous infection. It should be treated aggressively with appropriate cervical and mediastinal drainage combined with optimum medical care.
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