Nontraumatic acute anterior mediastinitis in two HIV-positive heroin addicts

Chest. 1992 Feb;101(2):583-5. doi: 10.1378/chest.101.2.583.

Abstract

We present the cases of two young heroin addicts seropositive for HIV who had life-threatening spontaneous acute anterior mediastinitis due to Staphylococcus aureus. This was the consequence of the spreading to the mediastinum of an infection of the chest wall. Complete cure was achieved with antibiotics and surgical drainage. Spontaneous mediastinitis should arouse suspicion of the possibility of HIV infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Heroin Dependence / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinitis / complications*
  • Mediastinitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Staphylococcal Infections / complications*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnostic imaging