Mediastinitis is a severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation or infection that involves the mediastinum—the central compartment within the thoracic cavity. The mediastinum is bordered by the pleural sacs laterally, the thoracic outlet superiorly, and the diaphragm inferiorly. In addition, it contains vital structures such as the heart, great vessels, trachea, mainstem bronchi, esophagus, and major nerves. Mediastinitis can arise from various causes, and it is categorized into 3 main subtypes—postoperative mediastinitis, descending necrotizing mediastinitis, and fibrosing mediastinitis. Patients with mediastinitis typically present with severe chest pain, fever, and signs of systemic infection. Due to the presence of crucial structures within the mediastinum, the disease process is life-threatening and requires emergent intervention and treatment.Diagnostic strategies involve prompt initial assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation, followed by imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for accurate diagnosis. Initial treatment includes broad-spectrum antibiotics, later tailored based on culture results, and often requires surgical debridement. This activity offers a comprehensive overview of mediastinitis, covering its etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic strategies, and current treatment protocols. This activity provides interprofessional healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills required to manage mediastinitis effectively by emphasizing the importance of collaboration among healthcare specialists in delivering comprehensive care for patients with mediastinitis.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/24851
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours
Pharmacy: 1.0 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABIM - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABOHNS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABOHNS)
ABTS - 1.0 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Critical Care, Critical Care Medicine, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, General Thoracic, Head & Neck, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Non-Thoracic Surgery, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary, Mediastinum, Surgical Critical Care, Thoracic Anesthesia