[Pericardial empyema due to oropharyngeal infection -- a rare entity].

Both the descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) and the pericardial empyema are rare but life threatening situations, in which rapid aggressive surgical approach is important for the outcome. A 37-year-old man presented with reduced general health and new establishment of thoracal pain after an infection in the oropharyngeal region. The dissemination of the infection into the mediastinum (mediastinitis) diagnosed by clinic and radiography required surgical intervention. A pericardial empyema was detected intraoperatively. The patient was discharged home on the 14 (th) hospital day.