MEDIASTINITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Mediastinitis is a medical term that refers to the inflammation or infection of the mediastinum, which is the space in the middle of the chest, between the lungs. The mediastinum contains the heart, major blood vessels, esophagus, thymus gland, and other important structures.
The condition is usually caused by the spread of an infection from nearby structures, such as the respiratory tract, through invasive procedures like surgery, or due to trauma. Mediastinitis can also occur as a complication of other conditions like pneumonia, esophageal perforation, or aortic dissection.
The symptoms of mediastinitis can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Common signs include severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, and swelling in the neck or face. In severe cases, mediastinitis can lead to potentially life-threatening complications, such as the formation of abscesses or the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.
Treatment for mediastinitis typically involves a combination of antibiotics to control infection, drainage of any abscesses or pus pockets, and supportive care to manage symptoms. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue or repair damaged structures.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in reducing the risk of complications and improving outcomes for individuals with mediastinitis. The prognosis depends on the severity and extent of the infection, the underlying cause, and the overall health of the affected person.
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Inflammation of the cellular tissue of the mediastinum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MEDIASTINITIS
- nediastinitis
- kediastinitis
- jediastinitis
- mwdiastinitis
- msdiastinitis
- mddiastinitis
- mrdiastinitis
- m4diastinitis
- m3diastinitis
- mesiastinitis
- mexiastinitis
- meciastinitis
- mefiastinitis
- meriastinitis
- meeiastinitis
- meduastinitis
- medjastinitis
- medkastinitis
- medoastinitis
- med9astinitis
Etymology of MEDIASTINITIS
The word "Mediastinitis" originated from two Latin roots: "mediastinum" and "itis".
1. "Mediastinum" refers to the central compartment of the thoracic cavity, located between the lungs. It contains vital structures such as the heart, major blood vessels, esophagus, trachea, and lymph nodes.
2. The suffix "-itis" is derived from the Greek word "-ites", which means inflammation.
Therefore, the term "Mediastinitis" combines these roots to describe the condition of inflammation in the mediastinum, typically caused by infection or injury.
