Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025
Histological Quantification to Determine Lung Fungal Burden in Experimental Aspergillosis
Published on: March 9, 2018
Delayed post-pneumonectomy empyema necessitans caused by Aspergillus flavus: An unusual report
Atousa Hakamifard1, Babak Gharedaghi2, Payam Tabarsi3
1Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
Abstract:
Post-pneumonectomy empyema (PPE), with or without bronchopleural fistula, is a challenging and serious entity with significant mortality and morbidity. PPE is usually caused by bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococci and also gram-negative rods. Among fungal pathogens, Aspergillus species is a very rare cause of this entity. Herein, we describe an unusual case of delayed post-pneumonectomy empyema necessitans caused by Aspergillus flavus in a 65-year-old man with favourable clinical outcome by combined surgical and antifungal therapy.
Insights
Post-pneumonectomy empyema (PPE) is a serious condition. This case highlights Aspergillus flavus as a rare fungal cause, successfully treated with surgery and antifungals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Post-pneumonectomy empyema (PPE) presents significant mortality and morbidity.
- Bacterial pathogens commonly cause PPE, including staphylococci, streptococci, and gram-negative rods.
- Fungal involvement, particularly by Aspergillus species, is exceptionally rare in PPE.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old male patient developed delayed post-pneumonectomy empyema necessitans.
- The empyema was diagnosed to be caused by Aspergillus flavus.
- The patient presented with a rare fungal etiology of this serious post-surgical complication.
Findings:
- Successful treatment of Aspergillus flavus-induced PPE was achieved.
- Combined surgical intervention and antifungal therapy led to a favourable clinical outcome.
- This case demonstrates an unusual fungal cause of delayed empyema necessitans.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering rare fungal pathogens in refractory or unusual PPE cases.
- Suggests that combined surgical and antifungal approaches can be effective for managing Aspergillus-related PPE.
- Contributes to the limited literature on fungal empyema necessitans following pneumonectomy, emphasizing diagnostic and therapeutic considerations.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations: