Synonym Inflammation of the mediastinal space Mediastinitis occurs in both acute and chronic forms. Acute mediastinitis is a highly dangerous inflammation of the mediastinum where the heart is located. It can be caused by various pathologies such as a leak in the esophagus. It is accompanied by a severe feeling of illness and requires quick … Mediastinitis
Diagnostics If mediastinitis is suspected, the medical history and physical examination can provide important information. The patient may be asked about recent operations, and the collection of symptoms also plays an important role. For example, suddenly occurring severe chest pain after excessive vomiting can be a decisive indication of the rare Boerhaave syndrome. Sudden shortness … Diagnostics | Mediastinitis
Prognosis The mortality rate of acute mediastinitis is almost 100% in the absence of adequate therapy. Even under therapy, deaths are not rare. The danger lies in particular in the development of a so-called sepsis (colloquially called blood poisoning) due to a spreading of the triggering pathogens via the blood. However, an adequate therapy can … Prognosis | Mediastinitis
Introduction Boerhaave syndrome is a medical term for a tear in the oesophagus named after a Dutch physician. This rarely occurring disease occurs spontaneously. It causes a tear in all the layers of the esophageal wall, so that finally there is an opening in the chest cavity. The spontaneous rupture usually occurs directly above the … Boerhaave syndrome
Differentiation from pneumothorax Boerhaave syndrome can also be mistakenly diagnosed as pneumothorax in some cases. In this case a pneumothorax should therefore be performed. Pneumothorax is a similar spontaneously occurring disease. By a pneumothorax, one half of the lung collapses. The patient suffers from acute stabbing pain in the chest and sudden shortness of breath. … Differentiation from pneumothorax | Boerhaave syndrome
