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.
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29466, USA.
Efstratios
E
Panselinas
Marc A
MA
Judson
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