[Oleothorax 40 years later]

Between 1930 and 1950 the induction of an oleothorax was widely accepted as treatment of patients with progressive tuberculosis. Now, the late complications of this therapeutic approach can occasionally be observed. A patient with an oleothorax induced forty years ago and extensive x-ray exposure through frequent fluoroscopie follow-up is presented. In addition, he has a carcinoma of the lung infiltrating the chest wall. The late complications of oleothorax and the possibility of a radiation-induced malignancy are discussed.