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Aspergilloma in an open chest cavity
D A Thomas1, R J Gonzalez-Rothi
1Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville.
Chest
|May 1, 1989
Abstract:
We present the findings in a patient who underwent pneumonectomy and developed a chronic bronchopleural fistula and empyema and who developed an intrathoracic aspergilloma after open-window thoracostomy. To our knowledge, formation of an aspergilloma in an open intrathoracic cavity has not been reported previously.
Insights
A patient developed a rare intrathoracic aspergilloma after open-window thoracostomy for chronic bronchopleural fistula and empyema. This case highlights a previously unreported complication following thoracic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Mycology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Pneumonectomy is a major thoracic surgery.
- Chronic bronchopleural fistula and empyema are serious complications.
- Open-window thoracostomy is a surgical procedure to manage empyema.
Observation:
- A patient developed an intrathoracic aspergilloma after open-window thoracostomy.
- The patient had a history of pneumonectomy, chronic bronchopleural fistula, and empyema.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of an intrathoracic aspergilloma forming in an open intrathoracic cavity.
- Aspergillus infection occurred in the context of a pre-existing chronic empyema and fistula.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of complications following thoracic surgery.
- It highlights the potential for fungal infections in chronic open wounds.
- Further research may be needed to understand the risk factors and management of aspergilloma in such settings.