[Postoperative sternomediastinitis: morphology of lesion, treatment strategy]. / Posleoperatsionnyi sternomediastinit: morfologiya porazheniya, taktika lecheniya.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze bone tissue damage at different stages of disease (El Oakley classification), treatment options for each clinical situation and results after each approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 45 patients with wound complications after cardiac surgery between October 2022 and September 2023. Thirty-eight (84.4%) patients underwent CABG, 7 (15.6%) patients - heart valve or aortic surgery. Mean age of patients was 68.1±10.3 years. There were 35 men (77.8%) and 10 women (22.2%). The first type was found in 11 (24.5%) patients, type 2-3 - 19 (42.2%), type 4 - 4 (8.8%), type 5 - 11 (24.5%) patients. RESULTS: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome was observed in 7 (36.8%) persons of the 1st group, 14 (73.7%) ones of the 2nd group, 4 (100%) patients of the 3rd group and 2 (18.2%) patients of the 4th group. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin increased in all patients with the highest values in groups 2 and 3. Redo soft tissue inflammation occurred in all groups after treatment. Mean incidence was 25%. Two (10.5%) patients died in the 2nd group and 1 (25%) patient in the 3rd group. CONCLUSION: The modern classification of sternomediastinitis does not fully characterize severity of disease in a particular patient. Simultaneous debridement with wound closure demonstrates acceptable mortality (within 10%). The highest mortality rate was observed in patients with diffuse lesions of the sternum. Less aggressive treatment approaches are possible for stable anterior chest wall.

[Mediastinitis Associated with Mediastinal Pancreatic Pseudocyst Successfully Treated by Thoracoscopic Mediastinal Drainage].

Pancreatic pseudocysts rarely extend to the mediastinum and can be fatal if mediastinitis is complicated. In this report, we describe a case of mediastinitis associated with mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst successfully treated by the thoracoscopic mediastinal drainage. The patient was a man in his 40s with a history of alcoholic acute pancreatitis. Chest and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan taken for his complaints of back pain and dyspnea showed a pancreatic pseudocyst extending to the mediastinum. First, an endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage( ENPD) tube was placed, and then thoracoscopic mediastinal drainage was performed through the right thoracic cavity. After the operation, the pseudocyst in the mediastinum rapidly disappeared even though there was no drainage from the ENPD tube. Postoperative recovery of the patient was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the 17th postoperatively day. This case suggests that the importance of prompt treatment for mediastinitis and the effectiveness of the thoracoscopic surgery.

[Descending Necrotizing Mediastinitis with Subclavian Vein Injury due to Cervical Re-debridement: Report of a Case].

A 58-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with fever and neck swelling after dental treatment. He was diagnosed with a cervical abscess and underwent cervical abscess drainage, but 1 week later he developed descending necrotizing mediastinitis and was referred to our department. He underwent mediastinal and pleural drainage, but neck abscess was recured, Re-debridment of the neck abscess resulted in bleeding from right subclavian vein. The bleeding was successfully stopped with TacoSeal after L-shaped sternotomyand dissection of sternocleidomostoid muscle.

[Perioperative management of wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy and its clinical effects].

Objective: To investigate the perioperative management of wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy, and to evaluate its clinical effects. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2017 to December 2022, 36 patients with wounds associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy who were conformed to the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Burn Center of PLA of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 23 males and 13 females, aged 25 to 81 years. Preparation for surgery was made. For patients with suspected retrosternal mediastinal abscess cavity, all cancellous bone of the unhealed sternum was bitten off to fully expose the retrosternal mediastinum, remove the source of infection and granulation tissue, and to fill the sternum defect with flipped unilateral pectoralis major muscle. For patients who had no retrosternal mediastinal infection but had fresh granulation tissue in unhealed sternal wounds, the necrotic tissue and a small amount of necrotic sternum were palliatively removed, and bilateral pectoralis major muscles were advanced and abutted to cover the sternal defect. After the skin in the donor area was closed by tension-relieving suture, continuous vacuum sealing drainage was performed, and continuous even infusion and lavage were added 24 hours later. The thorax was fixed with an armor-like chest strap, the patients were guided to breathe abdominally, with both upper limbs fixed to the lateral chest wall using a surgical restraint strap. The bacterial culture results of wound exudation specimens on admission were recorded. The wound condition observed during operation, debridement method, muscle flap covering method, intraoperative bleeding volume, days of postoperative infusion and lavage, lavage solution volume and changes on each day, and postoperative complications and wound healing time were recorded. After discharge, the wound healing quality, thorax shape, and mobility functions of thorax and both upper limbs were evaluated during follow-up. The stability and closure of sternum were observed by computed tomography (CT) reexamination. Results: On admission, among 36 patients, 33 cases were positive and 3 cases were negative in bacterial culture results of wound exudation specimens. Intraoperative observation showed that 26 patients had no retrosternal mediastinal infection but had fresh granulation tissue in unhealed sternal wounds, palliative debridement was performed and bilateral pectoralis major muscles were advanced and abutted to cover the defect. In 10 patients with suspected retrosternal mediastinal abscess cavity, the local sternum was completely removed by bite and the defect was covered using flipped unilateral pectoralis major muscle. During the operation, one patient experienced an innominate vein rupture and bleeding of approximately 3 000 mL during mediastinal exploration, and the remaining patients experienced bleeding of 100-1 000 mL. Postoperative infusion and lavage were performed for 4-7 days, with a lavage solution volume of 3 500-4 500 mL/d. The lavage solution gradually changed from dark red to light red and finally clear. Except for 1 patient who had suture rupture caused by lifting the patient under the armpit during nursing on the 3rd day after surgery, the wounds of the other patients healed smoothly after surgery, and the wound healing time of all patients was 7-21 days. Follow-up for 3 to 9 months after discharge showed that the patient who had suture rupture caused by armpit lifting died due to multiple organ failure. In 1 patient, the armor-like chest strap was removed 2 weeks after surgery, and the shoulder joint movement was not restricted, resulting in local rupture of the suture, which healed after dressing change. The wounds of the remaining patients healed well, and they resumed their daily life. The local skin of patient's pectoralis major muscle defect was slightly sunken and lower than that of the contralateral thorax in the patients undergoing treatment of pectoralis major muscle inversion, while no obvious thoracic deformity was observed in patients undergoing treatment with pectoralis major muscle propulsion and abutment. The chest and upper limb movement in all patients were slightly limited or normal. CT reexamination results of 10 patients showed that the sternum was stable, the local sternum was closed or covered completely with no lacuna or defects. Conclusions: Once the wound associated with secondary sternal osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis after sternotomy is formed, individualized and precise debridement should be performed as soon as possible, different transfer ways of pectoralis major muscle flap should be chosen to cover the defect, and postoperative continuous infusion and lavage together with strict thorax and shoulder joint restraint and immobilization should be performed. This treatment strategy can ensure good wound healing without affecting the shape and function of the donor area.

Postoperative mediastinitis and sternal osteitis after cardiac surgery caused by Mycoplasma hominis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinitis and sternal osteitis are critical complications in cardiac surgery. Cases of these complications caused by Mycoplasma hominis are extremely rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of mediastinitis and sternal osteitis caused by M. hominis infection following ascending aortic replacement surgery. Whole gene sequencing analysis suggested the genitourinary tract as the most likely source of this M. hominis infection. Successful infection control was achieved through a regimen of moxifloxacin treatment. Additionally, a notable correlation was observed between serum levels of interleukin-6 and M. hominis infection. CONCLUSIONS: The significance of M. hominis as a potential cause of postoperative infection in cardiac surgery is still not fully recognized. Special attention should be paid to patients with bacteriologically negative infections, as M. hominis should not be disregarded, despite its rarity.

The usefulness of chest drain and epicardial pacing wire culture for diagnosing mediastinitis after open-heart surgery.

PURPOSE: Culture of extracted drains or epicardial pacing wires is an easy and noninvasive method for detecting mediastinitis after open-heart surgery, although studies on its sensitivity and specificity are limited. We, therefore, investigated the usefulness of this approach for diagnosing mediastinitis. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the culture results of drains and epicardial pacing wires extracted from 3308 patients. Prediction models of mediastinitis with and without culture results added to clinical risk factors identified by a logistic regression analysis were compared. RESULTS: The incidence of mediastinitis requiring surgery was 1.89% (n = 64). Staphylococcus was the causative bacterium in 64.0% of cases. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of positive culture results were 50.8%, 91.8%, 10.7%, and 99.0%, respectively. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus had the highest positive predictive value (61.5%). A multivariate analysis identified preoperative hemodialysis (OR 5.40 [2.54-11.5], p < 0.01), long operative duration (p < 0.01), postoperative hemodialysis (OR 2.25 [1.01-4.98], p < 0.05), and positive culture result (OR 10.2 [5.88-17.7], p < 0.01) as independent risk factors. The addition of culture results to pre- and postoperative hemodialysis and a lengthy operative time improved the prediction of mediastinitis. CONCLUSIONS: A culture survey using extracted drains and epicardial pacing wires may provide useful information for diagnosing mediastinitis.

Mediastinitis secondary to invasive infection by group A Streptococcus in Spain.

This study describes 5 mediastinitis cases secondary to invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) disease in a recent outbreak in Spain. Among 398 iGAS cases between January 2019-March 2023, 5 (1.3%) were mediastinitis, 4 occurring in December 2022, all secondary to pneumonia or deep neck infection. We outline the clinical outcome with a review of the scarce pediatric literature.  Conclusion: mediastinistis is a rare but severe complication of iGAS and a high level of suspicion is required to diagnose it. What is Known: • Group A Streptococcus can cause invasive and severe infections in children. • Mediastinitis is a severe complication from some bacterial infections, mainly secondary due to deep-neck abscesses. What is New: • Mediastinitis is an unrecognized complication due to an invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infection. • In cases of a deep-neck abscess or complicated pneumonia a high clinical suspicion of iGAS mediastinitis is required, especially when the clinical course is not favorable.

Pericardial Closure With Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Patch in Left Ventricular Assist Device Surgery.

To reduce adhesions after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, pericardial closure using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) patch has been suggested. However, as foreign material, ePTFE patches could increase the risk of infectious complications. In this single-center retrospective study, we investigated outcomes of pericardial closure using an ePTFE patch in LVAD implantation. We included all patients who underwent LVAD implantation at our center between 2011 and 2020 (n = 166). Primary endpoint was development of mediastinitis at any point of time between LVAD implantation and heart transplantation (HTx) or death. Secondary endpoint was overall survival. Preoperative and postoperative clinical data were collected to ensure comparability between the groups. We included 166 patients with LVAD. A total of 116 patients (70%) underwent pericardial closure using an ePTFE patch. There were significant differences between the groups in treatment setting, previous cardiac surgery, Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) level, development of driveline infection, and HTx. Patients with an ePTFE patch developed mediastinitis more frequently (16%) than patients without ePTFE patch (4%) ( p = 0.039). A significant difference in overall survival between the groups could not be confirmed ( p = 0.29). The use of PTFE patches for pericardial closure in LVAD implantation was associated with a higher incidence of mediastinitis, but not with a difference in overall survival.

Poorly controlled diabetes mellitus is strongly associated with descending necrotizing mediastinitis of odontogenic origin.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that poorly controlled diabetic status may be a negative prognostic factor for acute mediastinitis of odontogenic origin, and we conducted a cohort study to verify this hypothesis. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected on all consecutive patients diagnosed with maxillofacial infections of odontogenic origin who received surgical treatment in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department. All patients included in the study were divided into 4 groups based on the presence or absence of diabetes and mediastinitis. Poorly controlled diabetic status constituted our primary predictor variable, and the occurrence of descending necrotizing mediastinitis was the outcome variable. RESULTS: All 7 patients with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus were complicated with descending necrotizing mediastinitis. An exact Fischer test was conducted to investigate the association of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus with descending necrotizing mediastinitis in patients admitted for surgical treatment of their maxillofacial collection. The result was significant at P < .01. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first scientific attempt to associate poorly controlled diabetes mellitus with descending necrotizing mediastinitis of odontogenic origin. Our results show evidently that these patients are more susceptible to deep space infections, which subsequently spread faster and are much more difficult to control.

Mimicking descending necrotizing mediastinitis as acute myocardial infarction in a patient with severe coronary artery disease: A case report.

RATIONALE: It is a crucial disease that descending necrotizing mediastinitis need to be treated promptly with proper antibiotics and drainage. The characteristics of its symptoms such as chest pain are difficult to distinguish from acute myocardial infarction. PATIENT CONCERNS: An 80-year-old female presented with severe squeezing chest pain. The cardiac marker was elevated. And coronary angiography showed the significant coronary stenosis. Although the revascularization through percutaneous coronary intervention was completed successfully, the patient still presented chest pain. Computed tomography of neck revealed that hypodense heterogeneous lesions with clear and distinguishable margin extended from the deep neck to mediastinum diffusely. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with descending necrotizing mediastinitis. INTERVENTIONS: Percutaneous catheter insertion to patient's abscess lesion at was performed. OUTCOMES: Catheter drainage of descending necrotizing mediastinitis led to an improvement in the patient's condition. LESSON: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis made chest paint with elevated cardiac enzyme mimicked myocardial infarction.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis secondary to retropharyngeal abscess.

We report a case of descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) in a 68-year-old male who presented in acute respiratory distress accompanied with anterior cervical neck swelling and pain with swallowing. Contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the neck demonstrated a large, peripherally enhancing retropharyngeal fluid and air collection that appeared to communicate with a fluid and air collection within the mediastinum. CECT of the chest demonstrated punctate foci of air and fat stranding along the anterior and superior mediastinum. Radiological evidence and the presence of necrosis on surgical debridement of the retropharyngeal abscess established the diagnosis of DNM. This case emphasizes the role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of DNM and demonstrates the utility of chest imaging in a high-risk patient who presents with a retropharyngeal abscess.

Mediastinitis and subcutaneous abscess complicated after EBUS-TBNA of 2R mediastinal lymph node.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUSTBNA) is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool used for the evaluation of mediastinal lymphadenopathy. It is a safe procedure, but complications such as bleeding and infection may occur. We report a case of a patient who developed a subcutaneous abscess abscess and mediastinitis after EBUSTBNA. A 75-year-old male with a history of right nephrectomy due to renal cell carcinoma and lung adenocarcinoma history underwent EBUS-TBNA for the evaluation of a right upper paratracheal lymph node. Two weeks after the procedure, the patient presented to the emergency department with skin induration and erythema on the right clavicular area. A non-contrast neck and thorax CT scan was performed, which revealed an extensive subcutaneous abscess on the right clavicular area, extending to the supraclavicular region. The patient was hospitalized, and empirical intravenous antibiotics were initiated due to deep neck infection. Repeated drainage of the subcutaneous abscess was performed. Bacteriologic examination revealed Streptococcus mitis. The patient showed improvement with antibiotic treatment, and a follow-up ultrasound showed a decrease in the size of the abscess and was discharged approximately four weeks after hospitalization. Although very rare, serious infectious complications may develop after EBUSTBNA, and our case report is an important example regarding its management process.

Troponin T and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Are Associated with Long-Term All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Post-Sternotomy Mediastinitis following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A 15-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Deep sternal wound/mediastinitis is a rare but feared complication in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients and seems to increase the risk of cardiac death, and is also associated with the risk of early internal mammary artery (IMA) graft obstruction. The pathological mechanism explaining the link between mediastinitis and IMA graft obstruction and the impact on mortality is complex, multifactorial, and not fully investigated. OBJECTIVES: Mediastinitis has been associated with increased concentrations of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin T (TnT) at mid-term follow-up, representing persistent low-grade myocardial injury and impaired cardiac function. However, whether mediastinitis is associated with all-cause mortality, or whether the association is driven by these cardiac-specific biomarkers (NT-proBNP and TnT), is not investigated. METHODS: The present study provides the longest and most complete follow-up data in 82 patients undergoing CABG, including 41 with post-sternotomy mediastinitis. RESULTS: The annualized incidence rate of mediastinitis was 0.14%/year and remained stable at 0.14% throughout the study period. During a mean follow-up of 12.7 ± 3.5 years, a total of 42 deaths occurred (27 [65.9%] in mediastinitis and 15 [36.6%] in non-mediastinitis group, p = 0.008). No association was found between IMA or saphenous vein graft obstruction with all-cause mortality. Mediastinitis was associated with a 1.9-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality. However, in the multivariable-adjusted models, age and higher TnT and NT-proBNP levels, but not mediastinitis per se were associated with all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Mediastinitis after CABG surgery was associated with a poor prognosis during a 15-year follow-up, showing a nearly two-fold higher frequency of all-cause mortality compared with non-mediastinitis group, with the differences in mortality rate occurring primarily after 10 years. The association between mediastinitis and all-cause mortality was modulated by subclinical myocardial damage and stretch, reflected by elevated TnT and NT-proBNP, measured at 2.7-year follow-up, underscoring that these could represent prognostic markers in CABG patients.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia with a mediastinal abscess in a 9-month-old infant: a case report and literature review.

Non-traumatic mediastinal abscesses are very rare in children; we can classify them into 2 types: descending mediastinitis (or mediastinitis by extension or by contiguity) complicating an otorhinolaryngological or esophageal etiology and mediastinitis generated by direct blood inoculation in a context of a septicemia or primary mediastinitis which is exceptional. We describe a case of right pleuropulmonary staphylococcal disease with bilateral mediastinal localization in a previously healthy 9-month-old infant. It was revealed by sepsis with severe respiratory distress. The germ was isolated from the pleural puncture fluid. A thoracic computed tomography was indicated due to a widening mediastinum noted on chest X-ray in addition to pleuropulmonary involvement. Thoracic computed tomography revealed a huge bilateral mediastinal abscess which was curbed thanks to right pleural drainage with adapted antibiotic therapy. Other investigations did not show any immune abnormalities in this infant. Mediastinitis represents a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency; those that are secondary to direct blood or lymphatic dissemination even very rare; should be considered in any context of severe sepsis including staphylococcus or streptococcus pneumonia. Since 1985 only 11 cases of such mediastinal abscesses have been reported.

Mediastinitis After Congenital Heart Surgery: Epidemiology, Clinical Features and Outcomes.

Mediastinitis after surgery for congenital heart disease has a great impact on morbidity and mortality. However, there are scarce studies focused on the epidemiology of postsurgical mediastinitis in pediatric patients. In this 18-year period retrospective study, the cumulative incidence of mediastinitis was low: 0.64%, (95% confidence interval: 0.36-1.1). Gram-negative bacilli were common (35%). The mortality rate was 7.1%, associated with fungal infection.

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis caused by Streptococcus constellatus: A case report and review of the literature.

RATIONALE: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a rare but severe mediastinal infection. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, the consequences can be very serious. Here, we shared a successful diagnosis and treatment case of DNM that originates from oral to neck and mediastinum caused by Streptococcus constellatus (S constellatus). S constellatus is a clinically uncommon gram-positive coccus and is known for its ability to form abscesses. Timely surgical drainage and the correct use of antibiotics are key to successful treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 53-year-old male admitted to hospital with painful swelling of the right cheek, persistent oral pus and moderate fever lasting 1 week, followed by rapid development of a mediastinal abscess. DIAGNOSES: He was diagnosed with DNM caused by S constellatus. INTERVENTIONS: On the evening of admission, an emergency tracheotomy and thoracoscopic exploration and drainage of the right mediastinum, floor of the mouth, parapharynx and neck abscess were performed. Antibiotics were administered immediately. OUTCOMES: At 28 days post-operatively, the abscess was absorbed, bilateral lung exudate decreased and the patient temperature, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, bilirubin and platelets returned to normal. The patient was discharged after completing 4 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Follow-up at 3 months after discharge revealed no recurrence of the abscess. LESSONS: Early surgical drainage and antibiotics treatment are important in mediastinal abscesses and infectious shock due to Streptococcus asteroids.

Microorganisms isolated in patients with post-cardiac surgery mediastinitis at a cardiology hospital of Mexico City.

INTRODUCTION: Mediastinitis after cardiovascular surgery gives rise to prolonged hospital stay and increased medical care costs, and is associated with high in-hospital mortality. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with post-surgical mediastinitis, including the isolated microorganisms, resistance profile, and in-hospital survival. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients with bacteriologically-confirmed post-surgical mediastinitis cared for at a cardiology hospital in Mexico City between January 2017 and March 2019. RESULTS: Fifty-eight cases of mediastinitis were included. Median age was 67 years. Most subjects were males who underwent myocardial revascularization. During in-hospital follow-up, all-cause and mediastinitis-related mortality were 27.6% and 20.7%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli were the most commonly isolated microorganisms. High resistance to methicillin was found in coagulase-negative staphylococci, as well as high expression of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. CONCLUSIONS: High mortality and significant antimicrobial resistance were found in patients with post-cardiac surgery mediastinitis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La mediastinitis posterior a cirugía cardiovascular deriva en estancia hospitalaria prolongada e incremento de los costos de la atención médica, y se asocia a elevada letalidad hospitalaria. OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas de los pacientes con mediastinitis posquirúrgica, incluyendo los microorganismos aislados, perfil de resistencia y supervivencia hospitalaria. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal de pacientes con mediastinitis posquirúrgica bacteriológicamente confirmada, atendidos en un hospital de cardiología de la Ciudad de México entre enero de 2017 y marzo de 2019. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 58 casos de mediastinitis. La mediana de edad fue de 67 años. La mayoría de los sujetos fueron varones sometidos a revascularización miocárdica. Durante el seguimiento hospitalario, la letalidad por todas las causas y la secundaria a la mediastinitis fueron de 27.6 y 20.7 %, respectivamente. Los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados fueron Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis y Escherichia coli. Se encontró alta resistencia a meticilina en los estafilococos coagulasa negativos y alta expresión de betalactamasas de espectro extendido en cepas de Escherichia coli y Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONES: En los pacientes con mediastinitis posquirúrgica analizados se observó alta letalidad e importante resistencia antimicrobiana.

Odontogenic-Related Head and Neck Infections: From Abscess to Mediastinitis: Our Experience, Limits, and Perspectives-A 5-Year Survey.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck infections are commonly caused by affections with an odontogenic origin. Untreated or non-responsive to treatment odontogenic infections can cause severe consequences such as localized abscesses, deep neck infections (DNI), and mediastinitis, conditions where emergency procedures such as tracheostomy or cervicotomy could be needed. METHODS: An epidemiological retrospective observational study was performed, and the objective of the investigation was to present a single-center 5-years retrospective analysis of all patients admitted to the emergency department of the hospital Policlinico Umberto I "Sapienza" with a diagnosis of odontogenic related head and neck infection, observing the epidemiological patterns, the management and the type of surgical procedure adopted to treat the affections. RESULTS: Over a 5-year period, 376,940 patients entered the emergency room of Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University of Rome, for a total of 63,632 hospitalizations. A total of 6607 patients were registered with a diagnosis of odontogenic abscess (10.38%), 151 of the patients were hospitalized, 116 of them were surgically treated (76.8%), and 6 of them (3.9%) manifested critical conditions such as sepsis and mediastinitis. CONCLUSIONS: Even today, despite the improvement of dental health education, dental affections can certainly lead to acute conditions, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.