MEDIASTINAL VASCULAR COMPRESSION VERSUS FIBROSING MEDIASTINITIS - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

Two cases of fibrosing mediastinitis are reported. The first was a 30 year old serviceman who presented with a superior vena cava syndrome a nd exertional dyspnea. The diagnosis of fibrosing mediastinitis was es tablished upon surgery for insertion of a vascular prosthesis. The sec ond case occurred in a 28 year old female who presented with bronchopn eumonia and mediastinal vascular compression. The clinical polymorphis m of fibrous mediastinitis is emphasized and the diagnostic, etiologic al, and pathogenic problems raised by this disease are discussed in th e light of a review of the literature.