Mediastinitis is defined as infection of the sternal wound involving which space?

Mediastinitis is defined as infection of the sternal wound involving which space?

• A. Posterior mediastinal space
• B. Pericardial space
• C. Anterior mediastinal space
• D. Left pleural space

Answer: (C)

Mediastinitis is infection of the mediastinal tissues. After a sternotomy, the infection that tracks from the sternal wound most commonly involves the anterior mediastinal space—the area directly behind the sternum and in front of the pericardium. This is the region at highest risk because the sternum forms the anterior boundary of the mediastinum. In contrast, the posterior mediastinal space lies behind the heart and pericardium, the pericardial space is the sac around the heart (which would be purulent pericarditis if infected), and the left pleural space is a lateral thoracic compartment. So, the space involved in mediastinitis originating from a sternal wound is the anterior mediastinal space.

Mediastinitis is infection of the mediastinal tissues. After a sternotomy, the infection that tracks from the sternal wound most commonly involves the anterior mediastinal space—the area directly behind the sternum and in front of the pericardium. This is the region at highest risk because the sternum forms the anterior boundary of the mediastinum. In contrast, the posterior mediastinal space lies behind the heart and pericardium, the pericardial space is the sac around the heart (which would be purulent pericarditis if infected), and the left pleural space is a lateral thoracic compartment. So, the space involved in mediastinitis originating from a sternal wound is the anterior mediastinal space.