• Toxicological Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.49-52
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• 1989

Acute inhalation intoxication of CS (O-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile) occurred among the 192 animals in confined animal cages of farm as the result of prolonged exposure. A total of 8 animals (3 silver foxes, 3 fitches and 2 minks) died in 15 hours after the exposure. Distinct evidences of pulmonary atelectasis were observed as with hepatorenal damages. The lethal toxicity of CS was considered to be due to early severelung damages leading to asphyxia, accompanying acute toxic hepatitis and nephritis.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.769-774
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• 2001

Background: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis(DNM) is a serious complication originating in odontogenic or oropharyngeal infection with previously reported mortality rates of 25% to 40%. We retrospectively reviewed the 4 years of our surgical drainage and debridement in DNM. Material and Method: We studied 7 cases diagnosed as DNM from 1997 through 2000. Primary oropharyngeal infection lead to DNM in four cases(57%) and odontogenic abscess in three cases(43%). All patients were received emergent cervicotomy and thoracotomy or sternotomy for debridement of necrotic tissue and mediastinal or pleural drainage. Result: Five cases were evolved well and were discharged after a mean of 42 days. Two patients(28.6%) died. Three patients required reoperation due to local surgical complication; empyema(two) and impending cardiac tamponade. One of these patients died on 12 post-reoperative day due to great vessel erosion, renal and respiratory insufficiency. The other patient died of broncho- esophageal fistula and asphyxia on 10 postoperative day without reoperation. Conclusion: On the basis of experience accrued in treating these patients, early diagnosis by cervicothoracic computed tomographic scan of neck and thorax aids in rapid indication of a surgical approach of DNM. We emphasize that performing early surgical drainage and debridement of necrotic tissues with intensive postoperative care can significantly reduce the mortality rate.