Successful Treatment of Aspergillus Empyema Using Open Window Thoracostomy Salvage Treatment and the Local Administration of an Antifungal Agent

Intern Med. 2016;55(15):2093-9. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.55.6250. Epub 2016 Aug 1.

Abstract

A 76-year-old woman received long-term immunosuppressive treatment for collagen vascular disease-associated interstitial pneumonia. The patient developed a cavitary mass lesion in the right lower lung field, and both nontuberculous mycobacteria and Aspergillus spp. were isolated after bronchial washing. The patient underwent a right lower lobectomy but developed Aspergillus empyema. Empyema due to Aspergillus spp. is a rare and life-threatening condition; however, the standard therapeutic strategies for treating Aspergillus empyema are not clear. We herein report a case of Aspergillus empyema that was successfully treated with a combination therapy which included open-window thoracostomy and the administration of antifungal agents (systemic micafungin and local amphotericin-B).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antifungal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Empyema, Pleural / drug therapy*
  • Empyema, Pleural / surgery*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pulmonary Aspergillosis / drug therapy*
  • Pulmonary Aspergillosis / surgery*
  • Salvage Therapy*
  • Thoracotomy / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antifungal Agents