Staphylococcus aureus mediastinitis following a skin infection in a non‑immunocompromised patient: A case report
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- Published online on: October 21, 2021 https://doi.org/10.3892/br.2021.1480
- Article Number: 104
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Copyright: © Mantzouranis et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
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Abstract
Mediastinitis is a severe inflammation of the structures located in the mid‑chest cavity. Three main causes of infective mediastinitis are traditionally recognized: Deep infection of a sternal wound following cardiothoracic surgery, perforation of the esophagus, and the descending necrotizing mediastinitis as a result of odontogenic, pharyngeal or cervical infections. Mediastinitis, as a complication of skin infection with hematogenous spread is infrequent. Methicillin‑resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a gram‑positive bacteria, and is responsible for numerous severe infections. MRSA mediastinitis is a rare infection and is typically associated with complications of sternotomy and retropharyngeal abscesses. Here, the second known case of mediastinitis of a hematogenous origin in a non‑immunocompromised 41‑year‑old patient following primary skin infection, accompanied by sternal osteomyelitis, lung consolidation and pleural effusion is described; MRSA was the responsible pathogen. The clinical course was favorable after 6 weeks of antibiotics administration without drainage or surgical intervention.
