[Suppurative mediastinitis as a complication of deep neck infection (report of 15 cases)].

Fifteen cases of suppurative mediastinitis secondary to perforation of pharynx or esophagus are reported. The cervical fascial spaces are the main route of spread of infection from the neck to the mediastinum. The infection is caused by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Major treatments for suppurative mediastinitis are early surgical drainage and proper use of antibiotics; Irrigation of the mediastinum with povidone-iodine is a safe and effective treatment. Of these 15 patients, 11 survived and 4 died. One case complicated by common carotid artery rupture was cured by surgical repair.