CT findings of descending necrotizing mediastinitis

Objective: To assess the role of CT in the diagnosis of descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM). Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients were examined with CT of the neck and chest to evaluate the extension of infection in the mediastinum and to help in planning a surgical approach. Results: In every patient, the CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of DNM displaying cervical abscess or cellulitis with emphysema associated with diffuse mediastinitis or mediastinal collections such as empyema thoracis, pneumomediastinum or pericardial effusion. Conclusion: Early CT diagnosis of DNM helps us in deciding the appropriate early surgical approach, whereby the mortality rate could be considerably lowered