[The treatment of Aspergillus empyema using open thoraco-myoplasty with the preservation of lung function -- case report]. / Aspergillus empyema kezelése nyitott thoracostomiával és izomplasztikával, a tüdo funkciójának megorzésével -- esetismertetés.

ABSTRACT

CASE REPORT Invasive aspergillosis is a life threatening complication in immune-compromised patients causing lung tissue destruction. Aspergillus empyema requires aggressive multimodality treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We present a case of Aspergillus empyema treated by thoracic and plastic surgery preserving the lung function in an 18 year-old male patient suffering dermatomyositis and treated with steroids for a long time. After open window thoracostomy (OWT) we used pedicled musculus latissimus dorsi (MLD) flap and mobilised the anterior serratus muscle to close the pleural cavity. CONCLUSION: The intrathoracic use of muscle flaps after OWT in case of chronic Aspergillus empyema can preserve the underlying lung tissue. Cooperation of thoracic and plastic surgeons - as in the cases presented - provides an excellent opportunity to treat successfully of otherwise hopeless patients.