Chronic calcified empyema.
Three patients with chronic calcified "fibrothorax" and complicating empyema are reported. The so-called chronic "fibrothorax" may envelop a fluid-filled cavity. Reactivation or reinfection can occur after a very long latent period. When this occurs, it is often associated with either a bronchopleural or a pleurocutaneous fistula. Contrary to often quoted opinion, the calcification a fibrothorax is found on the parietal as well as visceral pleura.
D000368:Aged; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004654:Empyema, Tuberculous / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging