Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is the most serious complication of maxillofacial infections followed with high mortality. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate possible prognostic clinical factors for survival of patients with DNM based on single center clinical data.

The study enrolled patients admitted to the Emergency Center of Vojvodina with the diagnosis of DNM either as the primary diagnosis or with discharged diagnosis after surgical treatment during 11-years period. The data were obtained from patient medical records.

After final analysis total of 28 charts were randomized for statystical analysis, 19 charts in survivors and 9 in non-survivors group. The most common cause of infection in survivors group was odontogenic and in non-survivors group pharyngeal infection. On multivariate regression analysis of collected data results of control computed tomography, preoperative Endo status, early postoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonine (PCT) values and postoperative complications were statistically significant predictors for mortality.

Based on results of this study, extent of infection in the mediastinum based on Endo's criteria, progression of infection on control cervicothoracic CT, increase of CRP and PCT values in immediate postoperative period and presence of postoperative complications and septic shock provide poor prognosis for patients with DNM.