Fibrosing mediastinitis is an uncommon disease associated with a multiplicity of clinical syndromes. The pathophysiology of this disease is predicated on the encasement of the mediastinal vital organ structures within a dense fibrotic tumor. This tumor appears to emanate from an invasive chronic inflammatory process causing erosion and external compression of these structures. Two cases of this disease are reported: one case of superior vena cava syndrome and one case of esophageal obstruction which evolved satisfactorily with conservative treatment.

Keywords: Sclerosing mediastinitis. Fibrosing mediastinitis. Superior vena cava syndrome.

A rare case of descending necrotizing mediastinitis secondary to a non-traumatic submandibular abscess is reported. Although most reports emphasize surgical treatment as indispensable in this disease, this case had an excellent outcome using only intensive care. Thus, even complicated descending necrotizing mediastinitis can be treated by non-surgical procedures.

Keywords: Mediastinitis. Sepsis.