[Pleural empyema as a complication of descending necrotizing mediastinitis].

Fulminant infections of oropharyngeal origin may cause the most lethal form of mediastinitis due to extension of the infection along the neck fascial planes or by lymphatic way: descending necrotizing mediastinitis. Two cases of this rare life-threatening entity of odontogenic and tonsillar origin are reported. A pleural empyema and pericarditis as complications were observed. Bacteriologic etiology, possibilities of the early diagnosis and the aggressive treatment by means of a thoracotomy are discussed.