Chronic Mediastinitis

Chronic mediastinitis (fibrosing mediastinitis) is chronic inflammation/fibrosis of mediastinum, usually from TB/histoplasmosis/radiation/sarcoid, causing SVC syndrome, airway/vascular obstruction, and recurrent infection. Treatment: identify/treat infection (TB/histoplasmosis); systemic corticosteroids in selected inflammatory cases; surgical/endovascular intervention for SVC/airway/vascular obstruction; antifungals for histoplasmosis; supportive care; monitor progression; rheumatology/ID consult.

Common Symptoms

SVC syndrome; dyspnea/cough; vascular/airway obstruction; chronic course

Causes and Pathogenesis

Infection/inflammatory disease causes exuberant mediastinal fibrosis and obstruction.

Treatment

Treat infection; steroids in selected; surgery/endovascular for obstruction; supportive

Preventive Measures

Treat TB/histoplasmosis early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Infectious-disease/Thoracic-surgery/Rheumatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.