Mediastinal compression secondary to supraglottitis: a case report.

Potential fascial spaces of the neck communicate inferiorly with the mediastinum and thus provide a route for spread of infections. It is very uncommon for supraglottitis to spread to one of these spaces. In this rare case, this infection not only involved the parapharyngeal space but also followed the anatomic path down to the mediastinum. The resulting mediastinal edema increased the intrathoracic pressure and thus upset the hemodynamic. Despite being in critical condition due to pulmonary edema and hypotension, the patient recovered without the use of aggressive surgical measures recommended for such cases.