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Aspergillus Infection of a Postoperative Thoracic Cavity
Mio Sugino1, Yusaku Kusaba1, Masaaki Nagano2
1National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Respiratory Medicine Tokyo Japan.
Respirology Case Reports
|May 11, 2026
Summary
A postoperative thoracic cavity infection caused by Aspergillus occurred in a 72-year-old man after lobectomy. This rare Aspergillus pleurisy highlights a potential complication following thoracic surgery.
Area of Science:
- Medical Mycology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Postoperative complications following thoracic surgery can be severe.
- Aspergillus infections, while uncommon, pose a significant risk in immunocompromised or surgically altered patients.
- Thoracic cavity infections require prompt diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of Aspergillus infection in a postoperative thoracic cavity.
- To emphasize Aspergillus pleurisy as a potential complication after lobectomy.
- To discuss diagnostic findings and implications for clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 72-year-old male patient.
- Review of imaging studies including CT scans showing thoracic cavity abnormalities.
- Analysis of intraoperative findings during fenestration, including pleural debris and fungal elements.
Main Results:
- The patient developed Aspergillus infection within the thoracic cavity post-lobectomy.
- Imaging revealed significant thickening of the cavity wall and a bronchopleural fistula.
- Fenestration confirmed the presence of purulent material and fungal masses, indicative of Aspergillus pleurisy.
Conclusions:
- Aspergillus infection can manifest as pleurisy in the postoperative thoracic cavity.
- Early recognition of imaging and intraoperative findings is crucial for diagnosing this complication.
- This case underscores the importance of considering fungal infections in persistent postoperative thoracic symptoms.
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