Mediastinitis

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Respiratory system

Mediastinitis is inflammation of the mediastinum, the area between the lungs. This area contains the heart, the large blood vessels, the windpipe (trachea), the esophagus, the thymus gland, and connective tissues.

Chest infection

Mediastinitis may occur suddenly (acute) or may develop slowly and get worse over time (chronic). Most cases occur in patients who have had open chest surgery. This complication occurs in less than 5 percent of all patients who have open chest surgery.

Patients who have a tear in their esophagusr from excessive vomiting, trauma, or endoscopy may also develop mediastinitis. Other causes of mediastinitis include tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, cancer, and sarcoidosis.

Risk factors include recent chest surgery or endoscopy, problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and a weak immune system

Review Date: 07/28/2006
Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.