Staple metalloptysis after lung resection for mycetoma: a case report and a review of the literature.
The expectoration of metal fragments (metalloptysis) is a rare complication after thoracic surgery. It usually occurs in patients with severe emphysema. We present a case of metalloptysis of surgical staples that is unique in several aspects: it occurred longer after surgery than any previously reported case, it occurred after lobar resection surgery, and it most likely developed as a result of chronic necrotizing aspergillosis. Although metalloptysis usually requires no therapy, it may indicate an active infectious process that requires appropriate therapy.
Panselinas
Efstratios
E
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29466, USA.
Judson
Marc A
MA
D000328:Adult; D001229:Aspergillosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary / Q000601:surgery*; D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005548:Foreign-Body Migration / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008271:Mycetoma / Q000601:surgery*; D013537:Sutures; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed