Mediastinitis

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Mediastinitis

Mediastinitis involves inflammation of the mediastinum, the cavity between the lungs. The mediastinum contains the heart, the large vessels, the trachea, the esophagus, the thymus, and connective tissues.

Mediastinitis may occur suddenly (acute) or may develop slowly, progressing over time (chronic). The majority of cases occur in patients who have had open chest surgery. This complication occurs in less than 5 percent of all patients who have open chest surgery.

Patients who have a tear in their esophagus - either from excessive vomiting, trauma, or endoscopy - may also develop mediastinitis. Chronic or slowly developing mediastinitis may arise from tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, other fungal infections, cancer, or sarcoidosis.

Risk factors include recent chest surgery or endoscopy, problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and having an impaired immune system.

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