Propolis-induced descending necrotizing mediastinitis and aspiration pneumonia

Ann Thorac Surg. 2013 Apr;95(4):e87-9. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2012.09.086.

Abstract

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees as a sealant for their hives. It is also used in traditional medicine as an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent to treat ulcers, superficial burns, and microbial diseases. In this report, a 40-year-old woman who took liquid propolis for relief of her common cold experienced severe sore throat, dysphagia, and easy choking followed by fever and chills. Descending necrotizing mediastinitis and concomitant aspiration pneumonia were evident on the image studies. We performed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to achieve immediate and adequate drainage, and the patient resumed normal deglutition 2 months later. Early diagnosis and prompt video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery intervention are paramount to manage this life-threatening situation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Infective Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Infective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drainage / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mediastinitis / chemically induced*
  • Mediastinitis / diagnosis
  • Mediastinitis / therapy
  • Mediastinum / pathology*
  • Necrosis / chemically induced
  • Necrosis / diagnosis
  • Pharyngitis / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / chemically induced*
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / therapy
  • Propolis / adverse effects*
  • Propolis / therapeutic use
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Propolis