Propolis-induced descending necrotizing mediastinitis and aspiration pneumonia.

Division of Thoracic Surgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Taichung Branch, and School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China. jyuan.wu@msa.hinet.net

The Annals of thoracic surgery 2013 Apr

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Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees as a sealant for their hives. It is also used in traditional medicine as an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent to treat ulcers, superficial burns, and microbial diseases. In this report, a 40-year-old woman who took liquid propolis for relief of her common cold experienced severe sore throat, dysphagia, and easy choking followed by fever and chills. Descending necrotizing mediastinitis and concomitant aspiration pneumonia were evident on the image studies. We performed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to achieve immediate and adequate drainage, and the patient resumed normal deglutition 2 months later. Early diagnosis and prompt video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery intervention are paramount to manage this life-threatening situation. Copyright © 2013 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Citation

Jeng-Yuan Wu, Nan-Yung Hsu. Propolis-induced descending necrotizing mediastinitis and aspiration pneumonia. The Annals of thoracic surgery. 2013 Apr;95(4):e87-9