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Chronic calcified empyema
Journal of the Canadian Association of Radiologists
|March 1, 1981
Summary
Chronic calcified fibrothorax, a lung condition, can hide fluid and lead to serious infections like empyema. Calcification occurs on both lung linings, challenging previous beliefs.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic fibrothorax, characterized by pleural thickening and calcification, can complicate into empyema.
- The condition may involve a fluid-filled cavity within the thickened pleura.
- Reactivation of infection after long latency periods is a known risk.
Observation:
- Reported are three cases of chronic calcified fibrothorax with complicating empyema.
- The fibrothorax enveloped a fluid-filled cavity in these patients.
- Bronchopleural or pleurocutaneous fistulas were associated with infection reactivation.
Findings:
- Calcification in chronic fibrothorax is present on both the parietal and visceral pleura.
- Empyema can develop within a calcified fibrothorax, even after long latent periods.
- Fistula formation is a common complication during empyema reactivation.
Implications:
- This challenges the traditional understanding of calcification patterns in fibrothorax.
- Early recognition of fluid-filled cavities within fibrothorax is crucial for managing empyema.
- Understanding fistula risks is vital for surgical and medical management strategies.