inflammation of the mediastinum, arising as a result of injury (most often, to the esophagus) or disease of the organs of the thoracic cavity, neck, and oral cavity.
Mediastinitis may be acute or chronic. The acute form is manifested by elevated temperature, chills, chest pains, difficulty in swallowing and breathing, and cough. The principal indications of chronic mediastinitis are symptoms of venous, tracheal, and esophageal compression. The treatment of mediastinitis is usually surgical. Preventive measures include timely diagnosis and effective treatment of the diseases that lead to the condition.