Broad-spectrum Intravenous Antibiotic Therapy Research Articles

CLINICAL COMPLICATIONS OF MALIGNANT OTITIS EXTERNA AND SURGICAL TREATMENT

For clinical complications of malignant otitis externa and its surgical treatment, the introduction addresses a rare and serious condition, characterized by necrotizing infection of the external auditory canal, often associated with comorbidities such as decompensated diabetes mellitus. This condition requires rapid intervention due to the potential for spread to adjacent structures such as the skull and skull base, resulting in serious complications such as facial paralysis, osteomyelitis, and meningitis. Management includes broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy and, in many cases, surgical intervention to debride necrotic tissue and control infection. Objective: to synthesize recent evidence on the effectiveness of surgical treatments in malignant otitis externa, highlighting clinical outcomes and associated mortality. Methodology: it was structured according to the PRISMA checklist, using PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases to search for articles published in the last 10 years. Descriptors included "malignant otitis externa", "surgical treatment", "complications", "mortality" and "intervention". Inclusion criteria were clinical studies and systematic reviews that addressed surgical treatment and clinical outcomes. Exclusion criteria were studies focusing exclusively on non-surgical treatments, isolated case reports and studies with fewer than 10 participants. Results: highlighted the effectiveness of early surgical debridement in reducing mortality and serious neurological complications. The analysis revealed that adjuvant antibiotic therapy and intensive surveillance are crucial for successful management. Conclusion: the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and timely surgical intervention is emphasized to improve outcomes in patients with malignant otitis externa, highlighting the need for further studies to elucidate ideal therapeutic protocols and prevention strategies

Odontogenic orbital cellulitis: literature review

Introduction: Odontogenic origin is a rare cause (1.3–5%) of cases of orbital cellulitis, but it can lead to very important morbidity such as blindness or thrombosis of the cavernous sinus. It is therefore important to know how to recognize it. Methods: A literature review was performed. The parameters analyzed included age, sex, ethnicity, clinical presentation, imaging to determine orbital involvement, etiology, microbiology, treatment (medical and/or surgical), and final outcome of each case. Chandler's classification was used to classify the different types of cellulitis. Results: Thirty-five cases of odontogenic orbital cellulitis have been described in literature from 1980 to 2022. In 42.9% of cases, the cellulitis corresponded to an intra-orbital abscess (Chandler stage IV). Thrombosis of the cavernous sinus (stage V) was detected in 5.7% of cases. Periorbital edema (100%), ocular or facial pain (82.9%) and limitation of eye movements (82.9%) were the three most common ophthalmological signs. The anamnesis revealed an element pointing to a dental origin in 97.1% of the cases, the two most frequent being a dental avulsion (20%) or an endodontic treatment (14.3%), in days or weeks preceding the onset of symptoms. Imaging was performed on admission in 94.3% of cases. Regarding the most frequently encountered germs, commensal streptococcus of the oral cavity or anaerobic bacteria were found in 25.7% of cases, and coagulase-negative staphylococcus in 22.9% of cases. In 94.3% of cases, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy was initiated as soon as the diagnosis was made. The common feature was the use of metronidazole in 51.4% of cases, combined with a third-generation cephalosporin (11.4%) or amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (8.6%). Orbital drainage was necessary in 71.4% of cases to allow resolution of symptoms, associated with drainage of the maxillary sinus in 45.7% of cases. Finally, the treatment allowed a recovery without sequelae in 80% of cases. Discussion: In case of suspected orbital cellulitis, imaging is crucial to confirm the diagnosis, the type of cellulitis and plan the appropriate surgical treatment. The first step of treatment will be the quick start of a broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy, targeting aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. However, it seems imperative to associate a surgical treatment consisting in a first step of an oral drainage and an elimination of the oral infectious source, as well as an orbital drainage whose approach will have been determined by the imaging. Conclusion: Orbital cellulitis is a rare complication of oral cavity infections, but it must be recognized and treated in time to avoid serious morbidity. An early medical and surgical treatment will usually allow good results and a healing process without sequelae.

The Bacterial Profile of Aortic Infectious Endocards: Experience of the Cardiology Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital of Marrakech, Morocco

Introduction: Infective endocarditis is defined as infection of a native or prosthetic heart valve, endocardial surface, or cardiac device. The causes and epidemiology, as well as the microbiology of the disease have evolved over the last few decades with the doubling of the average age of patients and an increased prevalence in patients with indwelling cardiac devices. Patients and Methods: This is a retrospective study, including all subjects over 20 years of age who presented with infective endocarditis of the aortic valve, hospitalized between January 2019 and December 2022, in the Department of Cardiology and Vascular Diseases at ERRAZI Hospital-Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech. Clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic data were collected for each case using an exploitation form. Results: Over the study period, 46 patients had presented with aortic positional AR, with a sex ratio that was equal to 1.8. The mean age of the patients was 43±12.5 years. Endocarditis on aortic prosthesis was found in 15%. The valves were rheumatic in 85%. The presumed portal of entry was cutaneous in 45%, oral and ENT in 33%, urinary in 15%, and digestive in 7%. In our series, 21 out of 26 patients presented a biological inflammatory syndrome. At least one or more blood cultures were positive in 38% of cases. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common germ in aortic infective endocarditis, found in 40% of positive blood cultures. All the patients in our series had received a combination of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy, initially probabilistic, taking into consideration the portal of entry. Adapted after antibiogram results. The evolution during the hospitalization, was marked by an improvement of the clinical state in only 12%, a perioperative death in 38%, and a worsening of the clinical state in 50%, with an average duration of hospitalization of 14 days. In our series, 60% of the patients with positive blood cultures died, whereas there was 75% survival in the group with negative blood cultures. Conclusion: Infective endocarditis is a serious disease because of its high morbidity and mortality. Despite improvements in diagnostic testing, antimicrobial therapy, and surgical intervention, changes in the epidemiology of IE, including the increase in healthcare-associated infections and the virulence of staphylococcus aureus as the causative organism, increase the risk of complications and death in the acute phase of IE. Action must be taken to prevent infective endocarditis, especially in this rheumatically endemic area.

Anterior approach arthrodesis - ALIF with use of a titanium cage for treatment of postoperative spondylodiscitis after lumbar microdiscectomy

Introduction. Infectious spondylodiscitis has an incidence of 0.21-3.6%. The best intervention should be individualized, using antibiotics only or combining them with stabilizing surgeries. Case presentation. A 38-year-old man presented with lumbosciatalgia, severe pain and inability to ambulate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine showed L5-S1 extruded disc herniation and the patient underwent endoscopic microdiscectomy with complete remission of symptoms. After two weeks, he reported severe low back pain and a return of difficulty to walk. Laboratory tests showed an increase in CRP and ESR. MRI showed signs of lumbar spondylodiscitis. The patient started on broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy. He evolved with improvement in laboratory parameters and maintenance of low back pain. Due to the failure of conservative treatment, anterior approach arthrodesis (ALIF) was chosen, with the complete improvement of the low back pain and the return of the ability to walk. Discussion. Postoperative spondylodiscitis’ frequency depends on the invasiveness of the operation and the type of surgery performed. The most likely source of infection is direct inoculation by virulent pathogens during surgery. A diagnosis delay of more than two months is considered a risk factor for generating adverse results. A Conservative approach is indicated for the patient who is neurologically intact and with minimal bone destruction. Surgical indications are the presence of neurological deficits, intraspinal abscesses, extensive bone destruction, and failure of conservative management. ALIF is supported in the literature because it allows wide exposure of the entire disc space through efficient access to the spine with the complete evacuation of the disc, avoiding dissection of perineural scar tissue and preserving the articular facets. Conclusion. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, although there is still no consensus about the best treatment approach. The use of a titanium cage with a bioglass graft had a good response in pain and infection control in our case.

Mackler's Triad in Boerhave Syndrom: Exceptional Case Report

Boerhaave syndrome is a rare entity, difficult to diagnose, with a potentially fatal outcome if not managed rapidly. We report the case of a female patient diagnosed throughout the triad of Meckler and confirmed with CT Scan using a water-soluble contrast product such as gastrografin showing pneumo-mediastinum with important subcutaneous emphysema. Clinically the patient was stable ruling out surgery but requiring a broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy with monitoring. The evolution was reassuring after a 15 day follow up. The barogenic nature of the rupture probably explains the wide mediastinal contamination, rapidly responsible for severe respiratory distress, sepsis and shock. A careful history and a detailed imaging examination allow a rapid diagnosis and therefore more caution treating the patient.

Gonococcal Pelvic Inflammatory Disease with Sepsis Criteria: Review of 2 Cases

Background: Infection caused by Neisseria Gonorrhoeae increases the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Gonococcal PID tends to be clinically more severe than non-gonococcal ones. The main is to present two cases of gonococcal PID, with rapid clinical and analytic progression, leading to severe sepsis, but without imaging manifestations. Clinical presentation: 1. 41-year-old patient with replacement of intrauterine releasing levonorgestrel device (IUD), presented abdominal pain and green vaginal discharge. Abdominal examination revealed signs of peritoneal irritation and blood test showed leukocytosis, increased C Reactive Protein and procalcitonin, as well as coagulation abnormalities. Imaging tests (vaginal ultrasound/tomography) revealed no structural pathology, without collections. Given the criteria of severe sepsis, broadspectrum intravenous (iv) antibiotic therapy was started and laparoscopy and IUD removal were performed. Cervical and IUD cultures were positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 2. 20-year-old woman, with an IUD, consulted for abdominal pain, low-grade fever and green vaginal discharge. Abdominal examination suggested peritoneal sensitivity and laboratory tests leukocytosis, increased C Reactive Protein and procalcitonin with coagulation abnormalities. Imaging tests (vaginal ultrasound/tomography) showed no structural pathology, without collections. Despite analgesia and broad-spectrum iv antibiotics, the patient worsened, proceeding to remove the IUD. Given the criteria compatible with severe sepsis, laparoscopy was decided. Endocervical and IUD cultures revealed Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Conclusions: Facing the situation of an acute PID with severe and fast clinical worsening even without findings in imaging tests, we should consider gonococcal ethiology as a possible cause. Surgical approach shouldn’t be delayed in order to control the infection and rule out other possible diagnosis.

Necrotizing fasciitis: a severe complication of odontogenic infection

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare complication of dental infection and is associated with a significant mortality rate. Prompt recognition and urgent referral are therefore essential. Surgical debridement and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy are the mainstay of management. This report outlines a case of necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin in an otherwise healthy 32-year-old patient. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article highlights odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis to the dental team, discusses its management and serves as a reminder of the potential severe complications of unmanaged dental infection.

A Case of Atypical Central Skull Base Osteomyelitis with Bilateral Alveolar Bone Destruction

Central skull base osteomyelitis (CSBO) is a rare, fatal condition seen mostly in elderly diabetic or immunocompromised patients; it mainly involves the sphenoid or occipital bones and diagnosis is often delayed. A 72-year-old male with diabetes was referred to our department with severe pain in the maxillary gingiva. Endoscopic biopsy of the pterygoid bone confirmed the presence of mucormycosis combined with Klebsiella pneumoniae infection. Sinus surgery was performed with bilateral alveolar bone sequestrectomy. Long-term intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy using meropenem and ampicillin/sulbactam and antifungal therapy using amphotericin B (100 mg/day) was administered; an oral antifungal agent, posaconazole (800 mg/day), was also prescribed for 11 weeks. At the 6-month follow-up visit, there were no complications and no progression of the CSBO lesion was observed. Timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment including endoscopic surgery, alveolar bone sequestrectomy, and combined antifungal and antibiotic therapy can reduce mortality and minimize complications associated with CSBO.

Les cellulites orbitaires chez l’enfant : à propos de 60 cas

This was a retrospective study including 60 children (67 eyes) diagnosed with orbital cellulitis. Two groups were defined according to the clinical form: pre- or retroseptal. We studied 29 cases (34 eyes) of preseptal cellulitis and 31 cases (33 eyes) of retroseptal cellulitis. The mean age was 4 years. The male: female ratio was 1.3. The prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics prior to hospitalization was noted in respectively four and 10 patients. Eyelid edema was the principal sign (100% of cases); exophthalmia was noted in 19 eyes, ptosis in 27 eyes and chemosis in 10 eyes. Oculomotor disorders were present in 4 eyes. The mean C-reactive protein level was 53.15±27mg/l in preseptal cellulitis and 92.09±21mg/l in the retro-septal cases. Orbital computed tomography was performed in 31 patients and MRI in 5 patients. The pathway of entry of the orbital infection was primarily from the sinuses (23 cases). All of our patients had received broad spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy. Three children had a cavernous sinus thrombosis and had been treated with anticoagulant therapy. Surgical drainage was performed in five patients. The course was favorable and without sequelae for all the patients. Two independent risk factors for retroseptal involvement were identified: the prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs prior to hospitalization, and sinus involvement. Orbital cellulitis in children is a serious infection and requires close collaboration between the ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, and pediatrician in order to be diagnosed and treated early so as to improve the prognosis for vision and life.

A mycotic aortic aneurysm treated by thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair

An 88-year-old man was admitted with general fatigue. Computed tomography (CT) showed a descending aortic aneurysm. The laboratory data indicated severe infection. Despite negative blood cultures, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy was started. Though antibiotic therapy was continued for about 2 weeks, the aneurysm extended 20 mm. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed, and antibiotic therapy was continued for 4 weeks after the procedure, followed by oral antibiotics for 1 year. CT showed regression of the aneurysm 15 months after reconstruction. Antibiotic therapy, preoperatively and postoperatively, is important for a mycotic aortic aneurysm.

Chronic prostatitis caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli managed using oral fosfomycin—A case report

Prostatitis is a clinical condition of difficult management and with limited antimicrobial options, especially in the setting of antimicrobial resistance. Recurrences are frequent and can be severe. Limited reports support the use of fosfomycin for chronic prostatitis by ESBL-producing bacteria. We reported a case of a patient with chronic prostatitis caused by ESBL-producing Escherischia coli with several relapses after prolonged periods of treatment with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy and with recurring urinary symptoms after transuretheral prostatic resection. After resolution of the last infection, we performed a long-term eradication antimicrobial treatment with 3 g of fosfomycin once daily, altered to 3 g every 48 h after 10 days due to diarrhea (which resolved with the dose change). After three months with this dosage, fosfomycin was switched to a once-weekly regimen which was maintained for further 9 months. After 9 months of follow-up without antimicrobial treatment, the patient has remained free of urinary symptoms. Experience with fosfomycin for chronic prostatitis caused by ESBL-producing E. coli is limited to three case reports and two case series. Intraprostatic measurements have shown adequate penetration of fosfomycin into prostatic tissue. Accordingly, our report suggests that fosfomycin can be used as eradication therapy in a patient with a prior history of chronic prostatitis by ESBL-producing bacteria with recurring urinary infections after surgical treatment.

A Comprehensive Review of Skull Base Osteomyelitis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges among Various Presentations.

Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a complex and fatal clinical entity that is often misdiagnosed for malignancy. SBO is commonly a direct complication of otogenic, sinogenic, odontogenic, and rhinogenic infections and can present as central, atypical, or pediatric clival SBO. This review describes the clinical profile, investigational approach, and management techniques for these variants. A comprehensive literature review was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, Research Gate, EMBASE, Wiley Online Library, and various Neurosurgical and Neurology journals with the keywords including: SBO, central or atypical SBO, fungal osteomyelitis, malignant otitis externa, temporal bone osteomyelitis, and clival osteomyelitis. Each manuscript's reference list was reviewed for potentially relevant articles. The search yielded a total of 153 articles. It was found that with early and aggressive culture guided long-term intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy decreases post-infection complications. In cases of widespread soft tissue involvement, an early aggressive surgical removal of infectious sequestra with preferentially Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy is associated with better prognosis of disease, less neurologic sequelae and mortality rate. Complete resolution of the SBO cases may take several months. Since early treatment can improve mortality rates, it is paramount that the reporting radiologists and treating clinicians are aware of the cardinal diagnostic signs to improve clinical outcomes of the disease. It will decrease delayed diagnosis and under treatment of the condition. However, due to rarity of the condition, complete prognostic factors have not fully been analyzed and discussed in the literature.

Preceptal Cellulitis In Pediatrics: A Study Conducted In One Location

Objectives:Preseptal cellulitis is an infection that affects the palpebra and the periorbital superficial tissue. This study is an evaluation of the clinical findings, treatment, and complications of patients hospitalized with preseptal cellulitis in a single clinic.Methods:The records of 29 patients with preseptal cellulitis who were hospitalized in the Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Education and Research Hospital Pediatric Infection Clinic between November 2012 and November 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:Of the 29 cases, 34.5% (n=10) were female and 65.5% (n=19) were male. The mean age was 61.76±46.95 months, and the mean length of hospital stay was 4.03±2.04 days. Periorbital swelling (72.4%) was the most common cause of complaint at hospital admission, and periorbital hyperemia and edema were observed in 93.1% of the clinical findings. Nine (52.9%) of 17 cases with predisposing factors were sinusitis-related. A blood culture was obtained in 21 (72.4%) cases. Imaging methods were used in 9 (31%) cases to support the diagnosis. All of the patients received broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy during hospitalization. The mean duration of antibiotic use was 10.10±3.41 days, including after discharge. None of the patients developed complications related to preseptal cellulitis.Conclusion:Preseptal cellulitis is a very common orbital infection, especially in childhood. Although it generally has a good prognosis, it can progress rapidly to the orbita and intracranial structures. An accurate clinical approach and rapid treatment can prevent the spread of infection and avoid serious complications.

Combined endovascular and surgical approach for aortobronchial fistula

The perioperative outcomes of the endovascular approach to aortobronchial fistula have been favorable. However, it is uncertain whether thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) alone provides a complete and durable cure for an aortobronchial fistula. TEVAR does nothing to address the issue of the defect in the respiratory tract, leaving the patient at risk of aortobronchial fistula recurrence and/or stent graft infection. The authors believe that the bronchial defect should be addressed. Over the last 10 years, 5 patients were treated for an aortobronchial fistula using a combined endovascular and surgical approach (primary treatment in 3 patients and secondary after TEVAR in 2 patients). All the patients underwent emergency stent graft placement and concomitant (n=1) or staged (n=4) open repair including pulmonary resection with coverage of the stent graft using muscle or pleural flaps. All patients received a 6-week course of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics followed by lifelong oral antibiotics. All patients survived the surgical procedure. After a mean follow-up of 23.2 months, 4 patients are asymptomatic and postprocedure computed tomography scans were unremarkable. One patient treated for an aortobronchial fistula after TEVAR was readmitted 4 months after surgical conversion. Stent graft explantation and silver-coated tube graft replacement of the descending thoracic aorta were performed for severe mediastinitis with associated thoracic stent graft infection. The postoperative course of this patient was uneventful. Emergency TEVAR for an aortobronchial fistula is an appealing strategy for this devastating complication. However, to achieve a lasting result, direct contact between the stent graft and the pulmonary tissue should be avoided to prevent further erosive damage. Concomitant or staged repair should entail primary repair or resection and anastomosis of the bronchus and/or pulmonary resection with coverage of the stent graft using muscle or pleural flaps combined with broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy. Long-term surveillance and continued investigation are warranted.

Mastoiditis and Gradenigo’s Syndrome with anaerobic bacteria

BackgroundGradenigo’s syndrome is a rare disease, which is characterized by the triad of the following conditions: suppurative otitis media, pain in the distribution of the first and the second division of trigeminal nerve, and abducens nerve palsy. The full triad may often not be present, but can develop if the condition is not treated correctly.Case presentationWe report a case of a 3-year-old girl, who presented with fever and left-sided acute otitis media. She developed acute mastoiditis, which was initially treated by intravenous antibiotics, ventilation tube insertion and cortical mastoidectomy. After 6 days the clinical picture was complicated by development of left-sided abducens palsy. MRI-scanning showed osteomyelitis within the petro-mastoid complex, and a hyper intense signal of the adjacent meninges. Microbiological investigations showed Staphylococcus aureus and Fusobacterium necrophorum. She was treated successfully with intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy with anaerobic coverage. After 8 weeks of follow-up there was no sign of recurrent infection or abducens palsy.ConclusionGradenigo’s syndrome is a rare, but life-threatening complication to middle ear infection. It is most commonly caused by aerobic microorganisms, but anaerobic microorganisms may also be found why anaerobic coverage should be considered when determining the antibiotic treatment.

Pathology Quiz Case 2

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Periorbital infections after Dermabond closure of traumatic lacerations in three children

To report the occurrence of periorbital infections in 3 children treated with the tissue adhesive 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond) after traumatic periorbital laceration. We retrospectively reviewed the records of consecutive patients referred to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for the treatment of periorbital infections to identify cases associated with the use of Dermabond. The clinical features and outcomes of each case were reviewed. We performed a meta-analysis of published cases to identify any association of tissue adhesive with wound infection rate. The review identified 3 patients, all of whom were younger than 3 years of age and developed cellulitis within 24 hours of wound closure. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy was started in less than 3 hours in all cases. Cultures were obtained in 2 of the 3 cases; both grew Streptococcus pyogenes. Two cases required surgical intervention, including one with necrotizing fasciitis. In the meta-analysis, the wound infection rate was 1.8% in tissue adhesive closure and 0.3% in standard wound closure (odds ratio 6.0; 95% confidence interval 0.7-50.3, P = 0.06). The development of periorbital cellulitis after the closure of periorbital lacerations with Dermabond should alert the physician to the possibility of periorbital infection, including necrotizing fasciitis. The literature review suggests a trend toward an increased infection rate with tissue adhesive closure. We propose that ineffective wound sterilization before tissue adhesive wound closure may be a contributing factor.

Esophagus perforation complicating anterior cervical spine surgery

To study the diagnosis and treatment strategy of esophagus perforation complicating anterior cervical spine surgery. From 2000 to 2010, we performed 1,045 cases of anterior cervical surgeries. One developed esophagus perforation. The diagnosis and treatment strategy of this case and the other five patients with esophagus perforation from other hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. For an intraoperative perforation, primary double layer suture was performed. Postoperatively, the patient took nutrition by a nasogastric tube instead of oral intake for one week. For three cases of perforations early in the post-operative period, oral intake was forbidden and nasogastric tube was conducted for nutrition support. The wound was debrided and open drainage was conducted postoperatively. Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was utilized. For perforations at postoperative year 3 and 7, prohibition of oral intake, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics therapy, and nasogastric tube nutrition support were all conducted and surgical debridement was performed. In operation, fixation plates and screws were removed, and the edges of the perforation were loosely approximated by synthetic absorbable sutures. Postoperatively, skin wound was kept open for drainage. All the perforations healed evenly without secondary complications. When a perforation is suspected, imaging techniques should be employed. Surgical treatment facilitates the healing of esophagus perforation. Supportive treatments including prohibition of oral intake, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, feeding with a nasogastric tube were mandatory parts of treatments.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis following dental extraction. Radiological features and surgical treatment considerations

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) following dental extraction is an extremely serious infection with a high mortality rate. Oral infection may rapidly descend into the mediastinum across the retropharyngeal and retrovisceral spaces. Once established, mediastinitis is rapidly followed by sepsis and death. If DNM is suspected cervical and thoracic CT must be carried out urgently. After this, prompt control of the upper airway with tracheostomy, aggressive surgical debridement of the deep cervical spaces and mediastinum, and intravenous broad spectrum antibiotic therapy are mandatory. The present paper reports two new cases of DNM following dental extraction, and focuses on radiological features of abscess progression through the cervical spaces down into the mediastinum.

Application of Closed Irrigation-Suction for Postoperative Infection Control in Plastic Surgery

Sir: Closed irrigation-suction systems have been used successfully in the management of osteomyelitis of the long bones,1 joint infections,2 open joint injuries,3 and pancreatic necrosis.4 Plastic operations often create adequate pockets for the placement of autogenous graft or prosthesis through a small incision, such as breast augmentation, augmentation rhinoplasty, tissue expansion, and others. Once infections occur, thorough drainage is difficult to obtain, thus prolonging healing time. Traditional incision and drainage will leave unpleasant scars and need a long healing time. A total of 31 patients with infections after plastic surgical procedures were treated by closed irrigation-suction from July of 2000 to June of 2008. Eight patients who underwent expander implantation had partial incision rupture, exposure of expander, and turbid effusion. Nine patients presented with high temperature and red, tender skin superficial to the expander during the inflating period. Two patients had tenderness and brown drainage discharged from the incision 7 days after autogenous dermis-fat implantation for facial depression. Two patients developed swelling breast skin, painful mass, and white pus obtained by aspiration 7 to 10 days after breast augmentation with autofat injection. Two patients presented with redness, tenderness, swelling breast skin, and yellow turbid drainage that leaked from the incision after breast prosthetic mammary augmentation through an areola margin incision. Three patients developed tenderness of the wound with pus drainage after treatment of axillary osmidrosis by a small-incision subcision of the apocrine gland. Five patients presented with erythematous and swelling skin and pus drainage gained by aspiration after silicone prosthetic augmentation rhinoplasty. The rupture incision was enlarged a little along the primary incision. The skin margins of the wound were then excised conservatively. In breast abscesses, an incision that was most superficial to the abscess cavity was used. The nose implant was removed. The tissue expanders were removed and sterilized or replaced with new sterile implants. The pocket was irrigated with povidone-iodine solution. Two transfusion systems or infusion needle tubes were used for both inflow and outflow drainage. Then, the sterilized implant was replaced in the cavity and the wound was closed in layers. Irrigation with normal saline containing 160 mg of gentamicin per liter was initiated when the patient was brought to the nursing unit. Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy were administered for 6 to 8 days. All cases healed within 6 to 8 days. The expanders and silicone breast implants were salvaged successfully. Augmentation rhinoplasty was performed 1 to 2 months after wound healing. The appearance and softness of the breast were satisfactory, and there were no capsule contractures at 5-year follow-up. There was no recurrent infection in the other cases during the 6- to 12-month follow-up period. No additional, visible scar was left. Continuous closed irrigation-suction was particularly suitable for postoperative infections in plastic surgery (Figs. 1 and 2).Fig. 1.: Patient presented with redness, tenderness, and swelling breast skin after breast prosthetic mammary augmentation.Fig. 2.: Patient's appearance 5 years after surgery.Zuojun Zhao, M.D. Wei Zhong Liang, M.D. Xin Tong Wang, B.S. Yuan Hong, B.N. Ying Jun Yan, M.D. Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery China Meitan General Hospital Beijing, China