A 26-year-old man with right lower mandibular and chest pain, fever, and respiratory distress was urgently transported to our hospital. CT images revealed gas collection and an abscess from the neck to the mediastinum with bilateral pleural effusion. Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) induced by an odontogenic infection of a right mandibular molar abscess was diagnosed. The cervical and mediastinal areas were drained, extensive debridement was performed, necrotic tissue was excised, and broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered immediately. Prompt diagnosis and intensive care were necessary for managing the DNM, and the patient was discharged with no comorbidities.
Keywords: descending necrotizing mediastinitis; healthy young adult; odontogenic infection.