Nonsurgical management of mediastinal abscess and Lemierre syndrome in an infant

Abstract

Non-surgical management of descending necrotizing mediastinitis secondary to a retropharyngeal abscess is a viable management option in children in contrast to the adult experience. We describe a pediatric case that underwent incision and drainage of a retropharyngeal abscess but did not require surgical drainage of a subsequent mediastinal abscess because of excellent clinical and radiologic response to intravenous antibiotics. The patient also had a co-existing Lemierre syndrome. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from the purulent drainage of the retropharyngeal abscess.

Keywords

Retropharyngeal abscess - descending necrotizing mediastinitis - mediastinal abscess - Lemierre syndrome - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus