Chronic mediastinitis

Chronic mediastinitis, also known as idiopathic mediastinal fibrosis, has a complex etiology. Chronic mediastinitis can lead to superior vena cava obstruction, and patients present with a series of symptoms and signs of superior vena cava obstruction. Chronic mediastinitis progresses slowly, forming dense fibrous tissue in the mediastinum, appearing as sheets or hard masses. It is most commonly located in the upper-middle part of the anterior and middle mediastinum. It mainly involves the superior vena cava, innominate vein, or azygos vein, causing stenosis or obstruction; other organs such as the large pulmonary vessels or the esophagus, trachea, and bronchi may also be affected. A few patients may simultaneously develop cervical fibrosis and retroperitoneal fibrosis.