Descending necrotizing mediastinitis （DNM）is a severe infection spreading from the cervical or odontoiatric region to the mediastinum through the anatomic cervical spaces. DNM is very rare but fatal. The course of the illness proceeds rapidly and the mortality rate is high. The pathogenic process is closely related to anatomical and physiological characteristic of cervix and mediastinum. The most valuable way for decreasing its high mortality rate is to give early diagnosis and treatments. Computed tomography(CT) scan is especially important method in early diagnosis.The early and enough use of broad spectrum antibiotics, individual surgical management based on neck and chest CT, such as clearing necrotic tissues,drainage and flushing are all effective methods to decrease mortality rate. Related management , such as department of stomatology, head and neck surgery, thoracic surgery,intensive care unit, and infectious department,should give cooperative therapy when necessary. At the same time, more attention should be paid to the patients who have some systemic disease such as diabetes mellitus and whose physical constitutions are very poor, which could
lead to DNM and worsening. It can help to decrease the incidence rate of fatal complications and to increase cure rate.

Citation： LUO Lifeng,CHENG Qingshu.. Diagnosis and Treatment of Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis. Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 2009, 16(5): 392-395. doi: Copy