[Infection of a pneumonectomy site 16 years after intervention].
BACKGROUND
Infection of the residual cavity after pneumonectomy generally occurs early after surgery.


METHODS
A 67-year old patient was hospitalized with fever 16 years after pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Investigations led to the diagnosis of infection of the pneumonectomy cavity.


CONCLUSIONS
Late infection several years after pneumonectomy is exceptional and usually occurs in a setting of bacteriemia. Diagnosis is difficult due to modifications of the thoracic signs but should be entertained whenever unexplained fever or an inflammatory syndrome occurs in a pneumonectomized patient. The thoracic CT scan shows an abnormally enlarged cavity. Bacteriological examination of evacuated fluid provides the key to diagnosis. Drainage-lavage is indicated. Surgery may be needed exceptionally.
Hocqueloux
L
L
Clinique des Maladies infectieuses, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 1, avenue Claude Vellefaux, F 75010 Paris. emmahocq@club-internet.fr
Le Pimpec Barthes
F
F
Sanchez
O
O
Zagdanski
A M
AM
Riquet
M
M
Molina
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D012086:Reoperation; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed