ABSTRACT Spontaneous mediastinal abscess with an occult source of infection is extremely rare and presents a diagnostic challenge. We report a unique case of a 60‐year‐old asthmatic patient who developed a spontaneous mediastinal abscess while receiving low‐dose prednisolone (5 mg daily). Although such a dose is generally considered to have minimal immunosuppressive effects, the patient presented with severe systemic inflammation and a multiloculated abscess around the pericardium. The patient was successfully treated with a combination of surgical intervention and targeted antibiotics. This case highlights that even low‐dose steroids can predispose patients to life‐threatening spontaneous mediastinal infections, necessitating early recognition and aggressive management.
Min Kyun Kang (Fri,) studied this question.
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