Empiema por Trichomona hominis / Empyema by Trichomona hominis

El empiema pleural es una de las complicaciones de las infecciones del tracto respiratorio inferior y se caracteriza por la presencia de pus en la toracocentesis. Raramente Trichomonas hominis está asociada al empiema como agente causal. En este artículo presentamos el caso de una mujer de 39 años que desarrolló un empiema causado por T. hominis, además de una revisión de la literatura disponible de esta rara infección. Hasta donde sabemos, este es el primer caso de empiema pleural causado por Trichomona hominis reportado en México (AU)

Pleural empyema is one of the complications of lower respiratory tract infections and is characterized by the presence of pus on thoracentesis. Trichomonas hominis is rarely associated with empyema as the causative agent. In this article we present the case of a 39-year-old woman who developed an empyema caused by T. hominis, as well as a review of the available literature on this rare infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of pleural empyema caused by Trichomona hominis reported in Mexico (AU)

Biliotórax: una entidad rara para un diagnóstico frecuente. Un reporte de caso / Bilothorax: a Rare Entity for a Frequent Diagnosis. A Case Report

Introducción: El biliotórax es una condición infrecuente definida por la presencia de bilis en el espacio pleural. Actualmente, hay alrededor de 70 casos descritos en la litera-tura. Sigue siendo relativamente desconocido, por lo tanto, poco sospechado. Esta entidad suele ser el resultado de una lesión iatrogénica, a menudo secundaria a cirugías o traumatismos del tracto biliar, que conduce a la formación de una fístula pleurobiliar.

Introduction: Bilothorax is a rare condition defined by the presence of bile in the pleural space. Currently, there are around 70 cases described in the literature. It remains relatively unknown and, therefore, little suspected. This entity is usually the result of an iatrogenic injury, often secondary to surgery or trauma to the biliary tract, leading to the formation of a pleurobiliary fistula

Uma rara apresentação de plexopatia braquial por empiema de necessidade / A rare presentation of brachial plexopathy due to need empyema

Contexto: O empiema tem aumentado sua incidência ao longo das últimas décadas e ainda é a complicação mais comum de pneumonias. Apesar dos avanços no tratamento clínico, o acometimento do tecido pleural por infecções pode levar a sequelas irreparáveis e ainda apresenta uma alta mortalidade. Descrição do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 55 anos de idade, relatou queixa de dor em hemitórax e ombro esquerdos e parestesia difusa em membro ipsilateral há três dias. Tomografia de tórax revelou empiema pleural em lobo superior esquerdo e eletroneuromiografia evidenciou plexopatia braquial. Foi feita a punção guiada do empiema que demonstrou infecção por Staphylococcus aureus sensível à meticilina. Após drenagem do abscesso e antibioticoterapia, o paciente apresentou melhora progressiva dos sintomas. Discussão: O empiema de necessidade raramente se apresenta secundário a uma infecção bacteriana aguda, sendo geralmente causado por longas efusões pneumônicas tuberculosas. Sua manifestação clínica mais comum é a presença de massa dolorosa na região anterior do tórax, com exames de imagem mostrando alterações inflamatórias. A terapêutica preconizada se constitui de drenagem e antibioticoterapia. Conclusão: O diagnóstico de empiema de necessidade foi poucas vezes descrito na literatura e deve ser suspeitado em quadros infecciosos pulmonares com repercussão neurológica em plexo braquial.

Uniportal thoracoscopic thorough debridement for tubercular empyema with abscess of the chest wall / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the feasibility and technical considerations of thorough debridement using uniportal thoracoscopic surgery for tuberculous empyema complicated by chest wall tuberculosis. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 38 patients who underwent comprehensive uniportal thoracoscopy debridement for empyema complicated by chest wall tuberculosis in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, from March 2019 to August 2021. There were 23 males and 15 females, aged (M(IQR)) 30 (25) years (range: 18 to 78 years). The patients were cleared of chest wall tuberculosis under general anesthesia and underwent an incision through the intercostal sinus, followed by the whole fiberboard decortication method. Chest tube drainage was used for pleural cavity disease and negative pressure drainage for chest wall tuberculosis with SB tube, and without muscle flap filling and pressure bandaging. If there was no air leakage, the chest tube was removed first, followed by the removal of the SB tube after 2 to 7 days if there was no obvious residual cavity on the CT scan. The patients were followed up in outpatient clinics and by telephone until October 2022. Results: The operation time was 2.0 (1.5) h (range: 1 to 5 h), and blood loss during the operation was 100 (175) ml (range: 100 to 1 200 ml). The most common postoperative complication was prolonged air leak, with an incidence rate of 81.6% (31/38). The postoperative drainage time of the chest tube was 14 (12) days (range: 2 to 31 days) and the postoperative drainage time of the SB tube was 21 (14) days (range: 4 to 40 days). The follow-up time was 25 (11) months (range: 13 to 42 months). All patients had primary healing of their incisions and there was no tuberculosis recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Uniportal thoracoscopic thorough debridement combined with postoperative standardized antituberculosis treatment is safe and feasible for the treatment of tuberculous empyema with chest wall tuberculosis, which could achieve a good long-term recovery effect.

Ensayo controlado y aleatorizado del uso de Heberkinasa® en el derrame pleural paraneumónico en niños / Randomized Controlled Trial of the Use of Heberkinase® in Parapneumonic Pleural Effusion in Children

Introducción: El derrame pleural paraneumónico resulta la complicación más frecuente de la neumonía bacteriana, de manejo complejo y muchas veces quirúrgico. No existen publicaciones en Cuba provenientes de ensayos clínicos controlados y aleatorizados ni del uso de la estreptoquinasa recombinante (Heberkinasa®) en el derrame pleural. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de la Heberkinasa® en el tratamiento del derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo y el empiema en niños. Métodos: Ensayo clínico fase III, abierto, aleatorizado (2:1), en grupos paralelos y controlado. Se concluyó la inclusión prevista de 48 niños (1-18 años de edad), que cumplieron los criterios de selección. Los progenitores otorgaron el consentimiento informado. Los pacientes se distribuyeron en dos grupos: I- experimental: terapia estándar y administración intrapleural diaria de 200 000 UI de Heberkinasa® durante 3-5 días y II-control: tratamiento estándar. Las variables principales: necesidad de cirugía y la estadía hospitalaria. Se evaluaron los eventos adversos. Resultados: Ningún paciente del grupo I-experimental requirió cirugía, a diferencia del grupo II-control en el que 37,5 por ciento necesitó cirugía video-toracoscópica, con diferencia altamente significativa. Se redujo la estadía hospitalaria (en cuatro días), las complicaciones intratorácicas y las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria en el grupo que recibió Heberkinasa®. No se presentaron eventos adversos graves atribuibles al producto. Conclusiones: La Heberkinasa® en el derrame pleural paraneumónico complicado complejo y empiema resultó eficaz y segura para la evacuación del foco séptico, con reducción de la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico, de la estadía hospitalaria y de las complicaciones, sin eventos adversos relacionados con su administración(AU)

Introduction: Paraneumonic pleural effusion is the most frequent complication of bacterial pneumonia, with complex and often surgical management. There are no publications in Cuba from randomized controlled clinical trials or the use of recombinant streptokinase (Heberkinase®) in pleural effusion. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Heberkinase® in the treatment of complex complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema in children. Methods: Phase III, open-label, randomized (2:1), parallel-group, controlled clinical trial. The planned inclusion of 48 children (1-18 years of age), who met the selection criteria, was completed. Parents gave informed consent. The patients were divided into two groups: I-experimental: standard therapy and daily intrapleural administration of 200,000 IU of Heberkinase® for 3-5 days; and II-control: standard treatment. The main variables: need for surgery and hospital stay. Adverse events were evaluated. Results: No patient in group I-experimental required surgery, unlike group II-control in which 37.5 percent required video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, with a highly significant difference. Hospital stay (to 4 days), intrathoracic complications and infections associated to healthcare in the group that received Heberkinase® was reduced. No serious adverse events attributable to the product occurred. Conclusions: Heberkinase® in complex complicated parapneumonic pleural effusion and empyema was effective and safe for the draining of the septic focus, with reduction of the need for surgical treatment, hospital stay and complications, with no adverse events related to its administration(AU)

Tuberculosis pulmonar y extrapulmonar en niños / Pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in children

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) informa que ocurren 1.1 millones de casos de tuberculosis (TBC) en niños <15 años. En Chile se observa un aumento de casos en el tiempo. La pandemia por SARS-Cov2 ha implicado una disminución de la pesquisa y un retardo de la atención y diagnóstico de TBC. Se presenta dos casos clínicos de tuberculosis en adolescentes. El primero corresponde a un adolescente con una tuberculosis pulmonar de difícil y tardío diagnóstico, habiéndose descartado inicialmente TBC por estudio molecular y PPD no reactivo. El segundo caso corresponde a un adolescente con una tuberculosis pulmonar y extrapulmonar de diagnóstico tardío, de 8 meses de evolución, posterior a un cuadro leve de Covid.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 1.1 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) occur in children <15 years of age. In Chile, an increase in cases is observed over time. The SARS-Cov2 pandemic has led to a decrease in screening and a delay in care and diagnosis of TB. Two clinical cases of tuberculosis in adolescents are presented. The first corresponds to an adolescent with TB of difficult and late diagnosis, having initially ruled out TB by molecular study and non-reactive PPD. The second case corresponds to an adolescent with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis of late diagnosis, of 8 months of evolution, after a mild respiratory infection of Covid.

Ruptura espontánea de absceso hepático del lóbulo izquierdo en hemitórax derecho / Spontaneous rupture of liver abscess of the left lobe in the right hemithorax

Introducción: La extensión transdiafragmática del absceso hepático piógeno constituye un caso raro de empiema pleural. Es una enfermedad de progresión rápida y con altas tasas de mortalidad, cercanas al 100 por ciento si no se trata a tiempo. Objetivo: Describir el caso de una paciente con empiema pleural derecho, secundario a ruptura de absceso piógeno del lóbulo hepático izquierdo. Caso clínico: Paciente femenina de 70 años de edad que acude al cuerpo de guardia con fiebre, dolor abdominal, síndrome general. La tomografía computadorizada mostró absceso hepático el lóbulo izquierdo con licuefacción casi total y posteriormente presentó como complicación un empiema torácico derecho. La paciente fue tratada con drenaje con sonda pleural. A pesar de los tratamientos antibióticos y quirúrgicos oportunos la paciente fallece en shock séptico. Conclusiones: Se reporta un caso raro de empiema secundario a absceso hepático del lóbulo izquierdo. La demora de la paciente en acudir a instituciones de salud conllevó al fallecimiento de la paciente a pesar del tratamiento antibiótico y quirúrgico(AU)

Introduction: The transdiaphragmatic extension of the pyogenic liver abscess constitutes a rare case of pleural empyema. It is a rapidly progressive disease with high mortality rates close to 100 percent if it is not treated in time. Objective: To describe the case of a patient with right pleural empyema secondary to a ruptured pyogenic abscess of the left hepatic lobe. Clinical case: A 70-year-old female patient who came to emergency with fever, abdominal pain and general syndrome. The computed tomography scan showed a liver abscess in the left lobe with almost total liquefaction, and later a right thoracic empyema was a complication. The patient was treated with chest tube drainage. Despite timely antibiotic and surgical treatments, the patient died of septic shock. Conclusions: A rare case of empyema secondary to liver abscess of the left lobe is reported. The delay of the patient in going to health institutions led to the death of the patient despite antibiotic and surgical treatment(AU)

Toracostomía abierta: en ocasiones la mejor opción / Open thoracostomy: Sometimes the best option

El tratamiento quirúrgico del empiema ha evolucionado, desde la medicina hipocrática, a través de los años, teniendo como premisa el drenaje. Con los avances médicos, el abordaje mínimamente invasivo se ha convertido en el estándar, dejando de lado otras técnicas quirúrgicas. La toracostomía abierta, en pacientes seleccionados, puede llegar a ser la última y mejor opción para el control del foco infeccioso: es una opción quirúrgica para el tratamiento de los empiemas en pacientes mórbidos y en fase de organización, cuando otros tratamientos han fallado, con una aceptable morbilidad y mortalidad. Esta técnica debe estar en el arsenal terapéutico del cirujano. Presentamos una serie de 4 casos de pacientes con empiema en fase de organización, en los cuales el riesgo quirúrgico era muy alto, por lo que se optó por realizar una toracostomía abierta, con éxito

The surgical treatment of empyema has evolved from Hippocratic medicine over the years, with drainage as its premise. With medical advances, the minimally invasive approach has become the standard, leaving aside other surgical techniques. Open thoracostomy, in selected patients, may become the last and best option for the control of the infectious focus: it is a surgical option for the treatment of empyemas in morbid patients and in the organization phase when other treatments have failed, with an acceptable morbidity and mortality. This technique should be in the surgeon's therapeutic arsenal. We present a series of four cases of patients with empyema in the organization phase, in which the surgical risk was very high, so it was decided to perform an open thoracostomy, which turn out successful

Guía de práctica clínica en derrame pleural paraneumónico y empiema pleural / Guide of clinical practice on parapneumonic pleural efussion and pleural empyema

La acumulación de fluido purulento o la presencia de bacterias en la tinción de Gram en el líquido pleural se define como empiema, se puede desarrollar entre 2- 12 por ciento de los niños con neumonía, por lo general bacteriana. Evoluciona en tres fases, la exudativa, fibrinopurulenta y organizada. El cuadro clínico está dado por manifestaciones respiratorias con fiebre persistente y malestar general. Los estudios radiológicos son importantes para el diagnóstico y es el ultrasonido pleural la modalidad de imagen preferida pues confirma la presencia y volumen de fluido pleural, así como la existencia de septos o tabiques. El tratamiento se basa en antibioticoterapia y drenaje a través de una pleurostomía; si hay presencia de tabiques, esfacelos o el estudio bioquímico del líquido pleural informa pH /7; glucosa /2,2 mmol/L; LDH/ 1000 UI, se comienza con estreptoquinasa intrapleural. El tratamiento quirúrgico se indica si hay deterioro clínico y radiológico después de concluir el uso de fibrinolíticos, persistencia de sepsis asociada a colección pleural a pesar del drenaje, coraza de fibrina que impide la reexpansión pulmonar y fístula broncopleural con neumotórax. La mortalidad es baja(AU)

The accumulation of purulent fluids or the presence of bacteria in the Gram´s stain in the pleural liquid is defined as empyema. It can develop in the 2 to 12 percent of children with pneumonia, generally the bacterial one. It evolves in three phases: exudative, fibrinopurulent and organized. The clinical picture is a consequence of respiratory manifestations with persistent fever and general discomfort. The radiology studies are important for the diagnosis and the pleural ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality because it confirms the presence and volume of the pleural fluid, as well as the existence of septa. The treatment is based in the use of antibiotic therapy and the drainage through a pleurostomy; if there is presence of septa, slough or the biochemical study of the pleural liquid informs of pH/7, glucose /2.2 mmol/L, LDH / 1000 UI, so it is started the use of intrapleural streptokinase. The surgical treatment is indicated if there is a clinical and radiological worsening after finishing the use of fibrinolytics, persistence of sepsis associated to pleural collection in spite of the drainage, fibrin shell that hampers pulmonar reexpanding; and bronchopleural fistula with pneumothorax(AU)

Complicated pneumonia with empyema caused by streptococcus anginosus in a child / Complicated pneumonia with empyema caused by streptococcus anginosus in a child

ABSTRACT Objective: To highlight the pathogenicity of Streptococcus anginosus, which is rare in pediatric patients, but can cause severe infections that are known to have a better outcome when treated early with interventional procedures and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Case description: The patient is a 6-year-old boy with global developmental delay, examined in the emergency room due to fever and respiratory distress. The physical examination and diagnostic workout revealed complicated pneumonia with empyema of the left hemithorax; he started antibiotic therapy and underwent thoracic drainage. Pleural fluid cultures grew Streptococcus anginosus. On day 11, the child had a clinical deterioration with recurrence of fever, hypoxia, and respiratory distress. At this point, considering the causative agent, he was submitted to video-assisted thoracoscopic decortication, with good progress thereafter. Comments: Streptococcus anginosus is a commensal bacterium of the human oral cavity capable of causing severe systemic infections. Although reports of complicated thoracic infections with this agent are rare in the pediatric population, they have been increasing in adults. Streptococcus anginosus has a high capacity to form abscess and empyema, requiring different therapeutic approaches when compared to complicated pneumonia caused by other agents.

RESUMO Objetivo: Alertar para a patogenicidade do Streptococcus anginosus que, apesar de raro em pediatria, pode causar infeções graves que necessitam de tratamento invasivo e antibioterapia de longo curso para obter um melhor prognóstico. Descrição do caso: Criança de seis anos, com atraso do desenvolvimento psicomotor, avaliado no serviço de urgência por febre e dificuldade respiratória. O exame físico, juntamente com os exames complementares, revelou uma pneumonia complicada com empiema no hemitórax esquerdo, tendo iniciado antibioterapia e sido submetido à drenagem do líquido pleural. Foi identificado Streptococcus anginosus nesse líquido. No 11º dia de doença, a criança agravou o seu estado clínico, com recidiva da febre, hipoxemia e dificuldade respiratória. Considerando-se o microrganismo identificado, o paciente foi submetido à decorticação pulmonar por videotoracoscopia, com boa evolução clínica posterior. Comentários: Streptococcus anginosus é uma bactéria comensal da cavidade oral humana, que pode causar infecções sistêmicas graves. Apesar de serem raros os casos descritos em pediatria, têm sido cada vez mais descritas infecções torácicas complicadas em adultos. Esse microrganismo também tem a capacidade de formar abcessos e empiemas, que precisam de intervenções terapêuticas diferentes, quando comparados a pneumonias complicadas causadas por outros agentes.

Predictive factors of lethality and complications of deep fascial space infections of the neck / Fatores preditivos de letalidade e complicações das infecções dos espaços fasciais profundos do pescoço

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify predictive factors for lethality and complications of deep fascial space infections of the neck (DFSIN), establishing an early and aggressive treatment in the neck before the progression to descending mediastinitis. Methods: we retrospectively analyzed 133 cases of DFSIN treated at Discipline of Head and Neck Surgery of the Medicine School of Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo. We accessed demographic characteristics, associated diseases, clinical presentation, laboratorial tests, length of hospital stay, number of involved anatomic neck spaces, intra-operative and microbiology findings. We analyzed these data using logistic regression to predict DFSIN lethality and life threatening complications (mediastinitis, septic shock, pneumonia, pleural empyema, skin necrosis). Results: lethality and complication ratios were 9% and 50.3%, respectively. The logistic regression model showed that patients with septic shock were more likely to have progression to death (p < 0.001) and, the presence of more than two involved neck spaces (p < 0.001) and older individuals (p = 0.017) were more likely to have complicated deep neck infections. Descending necrotizing mediatinitis increased the lethality ratio by 50%, and was associated to necrotizing fasciitis (p=0.012) and pleural empyema (p<0.001). Conclusion: septic shock is a lethal predictive factor and age as well as more than two involved neck spaces are the predictive factors for complications. Necrotizing fasciitis is an important factor for complications and death. Therefore, its surgical treatment must be more aggressive. Descending mediastinitis has a high lethal rate and the successful treatment is based on early diagnosis and aggressive surgical approach.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar os fatores preditivos de letalidade e complicações associados às infecções dos espaços fasciais profundos do pescoço, com intuito de estabelecer tratamento mais precoce antes de evolução para a mediastinite. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo de 133 casos, tratados na Disciplina de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo. Por meio da análise de regressão logística, estes dados foram estudados para a predição de letalidade e complicações graves (mediastinite, choque séptico, empiema pleural, pneumonia e necrose de pele). Resultados: a taxa de letalidade identificada foi de 9% e, de complicações de 50,3%. Identificou-se como fator preditivo de letalidade, a presença de choque séptico (p<0,001) e, para o ocorrência de complicações, a idade (p=0,017) e o acometimento de mais de dois espaços anatômicos (p<0,001). A ocorrência de mediastinite descendente necrosante esteve associada à presença de fasciíte necrosante (p=0,012) e empiema pleural (p<0,001). Conclusão: o fator preditivo de letalidade foi a presença de choque séptico e, para ocorrência de complicações graves, a idade e/ou a presença de mais de dois espaços anatômicos acometidos pela infecção. A fasciíte necrosante é fator importante para ocorrência de complicações e morte. Nestes casos, a conduta cirúrgica deve ser mais agressiva. A mediastinite descendente apresenta taxa de letalidade alta e o sucesso no tratamento está no diagnóstico precoce e na intervenção cirúrgica agressiva.

Incarcerated Hiatal Hernia with Perforation after Laparoscopic Total Gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y Reconstruction: a Case Report

The occurrence of hiatal hernia after total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction is rare. We report the case of a 76-year-old man who presented with dyspnea, vomiting, and fever around 8 days after total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a hiatal hernia containing part of the small intestine in the left thoracic cavity. Emergent reduction and repair of the hiatal hernia were performed later. Operative findings revealed that the Roux limb was incarcerated in the left pleural cavity. Esophagojejunostomy leakage, perforation of the small intestine with transient ischemic change, and pyothorax were also found. Thus, feeding jejunostomy, thoracoscopic decortication, and diversion T-tube esophagostomy were performed. Considering that the main cause of hiatal hernia is blunt dissection with division of the phrenoesophageal membrane, approximating the crus with 1 or 2 figure-8 sutures, according to the size of the defect, to prevent the incidence of hiatal hernia after total gastrectomy may be performed.

Iatrogenic pleural empyema caused by Propionibacterium acnes

Propionibacterium acnes is one of the commensals living on the human skin and glands, implicated mainly in acnes, but seldom in deep infection. Pleural empyema is rarely complicated with closed thoracostomy. We experienced 1 case of empyema caused by P. acnes after pleural biopsy and closed thoracostomy through a percutaneous pigtail catheter. A 79-year-old man was admitted for cough, purulent sputum and shortness of breath. Three weeks ago, closed thoracostomy and pleural biopsy were performed to confirm a diagnosis for his recurrent pleural effusion. He had increased amount of right pleural effusion. Through the pigtail catheter, pleural effusion was removed. Gram-positive rods were observed in Gram stain, but not cultured. By 16S rRNA analysis, P. acnes was confirmed as the pathogen. His empyema was repeatedly treated with antibiotics, fibrolysis and irrigation. Pleural decortication was recommended. We report the first case of empyema with P. acnes in Korea, possibly complicated with closed thoracostomy procedures.

Logistic regression analysis of clinical and computed tomography features of pulmonary abscesses and risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema by investigating the clinical characteristics and chest computed tomography imaging features of patients with pulmonary abscesses. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the chest computed tomography findings and clinical features of 101 cases of pulmonary abscess, including 25 cases with empyema (the experimental group) and 76 cases with no empyema (the control group). The potential risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema were compared between the groups by using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The incidence of pulmonary abscess-related empyema was 24.8% (25/101). Univariate analysis showed that male gender, diabetes, pleuritic symptoms, white blood cells >10×109/L, albumin level <25 g/L, and positive sputum cultures were potential clinical-related risk factors and that an abscess >5 cm in diameter and transpulmonary fissure abscesses were potential computed tomography imaging-related risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that transpulmonary fissure abscesses (odds ratio=9.102, p=0.003), diabetes (odds ratio=9.066, p=0.003), an abscess >5 cm in diameter (odds ratio=8.998, p=0.002), and pleuritic symptoms (odds ratio=5.395, p=0.015) were independent risk factors for pulmonary abscess-related empyema. CONCLUSIONS: Transpulmonary fissure abscesses, diabetes, giant pulmonary abscesses, and pleuritic symptoms increased the risk of empyema among patients with pulmonary abscesses.

Mini-thoracostomy with vacuum-assisted closure: a minimally invasive alternative to open-window thoracostomy / Minipleurostomia com curativo a vácuo: uma opção minimamente invasiva a pleurostomia

ABSTRACT Thoracostomy is a common treatment option for patients with stage III pleural empyema who do not tolerate pulmonary decortication. However, thoracostomy is considered mutilating because it involves a thoracic stoma, the closure of which can take years or require further surgery. A new, minimally invasive technique that uses the vacuum-assisted closure has been proposed as an alternative to thoracostomy. This study aims to analyze the safety and effectiveness of mini-thoracostomy with vacuum-assisted closure in an initial sample of patients.

RESUMO A pleurostomia é uma opção frequente de tratamento para pacientes com empiema pleural fase III que não toleram decorticação pulmonar. Todavia, esse tratamento é considerado mutilante por envolver a confecção de um stoma torácico, que pode demorar anos para se fechar ou requerer nova cirurgia. Descreveu-se recentemente uma técnica minimamente invasiva que associa uso intrapleural de curativo a vácuo como opção a pleurostomia. A presente comunicação objetiva demonstrar o resultado de uma série inicial de pacientes tratados com a minipleurostomia associada ao uso de curativo a vácuo no que tange a sua efetividade e segurança.

Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1) levels in a rat model of induced pleural empyema

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the concentration of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) levels in a rat pleural effusion obtained by inoculation of intrapleural bacteria or turpentine through thoracentesis. Methods: Thirty-Nine Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Staphylococcus aureus (SA, n = 17); Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP, n = 12); and turpentine (control, n = 10). Pleural fluid was collected through ultrasound-guided thoracentesis 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h after instillation of bacteria or turpentine. Levels of TGFB1 were measured in pleural fluid. Results: At 12 h, mean TGFB1concentrations were 5.3450 pg/mL in the SA group, 5.3449 pg/mL in the SP group, and 5.3450 pg/mL in controls. At 24 h, they were 4.6700 pg/mL in the SA group, 4.6700 pg/mL in the SP group, and 4.6700 pg/mL in controls. At 36 h, they were 4.6699 pg/mL in the SA group and in control. No difference was observed among the groups in mean TGFB1concentration (p = 0.12); however, a significant intragroup reduction in mean TGFB1 was observed between 12 and 24 h (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The transforming growth factor beta 1 concentrations were not useful as a diagnostic tool or an early marker of infected pleural effusion.

Parapneumonic pleural effusion: reality and strategies in an Amazon university hospital / Derrame pleural parapneumônico: realidade e estratégias em um hospital universitário na Amazônia

ABSTRACT Objective: to define the profile and analyze the postoperative evolution of children with parapneumonic pleural effusion (PPE), and to evaluate strategies used in the presence of diagnostic and therapeutic limitations, emphasizing the open thoracic drainage (OTD) . Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional, prospective, analytical study in which we followed children admitted in an Amazon university hospital with surgically addressed PPE, from October 2010 to October 2011. Results: we studied 46 patients, most children under three years of age (74%), with no gender predominance. A significant portion of the sample (28%) had inappropriate body mass index. We found short stature in five patients (11%), which tended, in general, to a worst postoperative outcome when compared with children of normal height (p=0.039). The average duration of symptoms till admission was 16.9 days. Empyema was a common diagnosis in the first surgery (47.8%), and its bearers had longer duration of chest tube drainage (p=0.015). Most children (80.4%) were operated only once. The mean length of hospital stay was 25.9 days. Thoracic drainage (water-sealed) was the most common procedure (85%), with conversion to OTD in 24% of the sample, thoracotomy being rare (4%). There were no deaths. Conclusion: the studied individuals often had advanced disease and nutritional disorders, affecting outcome. OTD remains a valid option for specific situations, and further studies are needed for confirmation.

RESUMO Objetivo: definir o perfil e analisar a evolução pós-operatória de crianças com derrame pleural parapneumônico (DPP), bem como, avaliar estratégias utilizadas na vigência de limitações diagnóstico-terapêuticas, enfatizando a drenagem torácica aberta (DTA) . Métodos: estudo transversal, prospectivo, analítico, no qual foram acompanhadas as crianças admitidas em um hospital universitário da Amazônia com o diagnóstico de DPP abordado cirurgicamente, no período entre outubro de 2010 a outubro de 2011. Resultados: foram estudados 46 pacientes, a maioria menor de três anos de idade (74%), sem predominância de sexo. Significativa parcela da amostra (28%) possuía índice de massa corpórea inadequado. Baixa estatura foi encontrada em cinco pacientes (11%), que tenderam, em geral, à pior evolução pós-operatória, quando comparados com as crianças de estatura normal (p=0,039). A duração média dos sintomas à admissão foi 16,9 dias. O empiema foi diagnóstico comum na primeira intervenção cirúrgica (47,8%), e seus portadores apresentaram maior duração da drenagem torácica (p=0,015). A maioria das crianças (80,4%) foi operada apenas uma vez. A média de dias de internação hospitalar foi 25,9 dias. A drenagem torácica fechada em selo d'água foi a cirurgia mais realizada (85%), precisando ser convertida em DTA em 24% da amostra e toracotomias foram raras (4%). Não houve óbitos. Conclusão: os indivíduos estudados possuíam frequentemente doença avançada e distúrbios nutricionais, repercutindo na evolução clínica. A DTA permanece como uma opção válida para situações específicas, e novos estudos ainda são necessários para confirmação.

Neumonías necrosantes graves con empiema asociado / Severe necrotizing pneumonias with secondary empyemas

Introducción: Las neumonías necrosantes (NN) con empiema son una enfermedad grave y un desafío multidisciplinario. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar una caracterización epidemiológica y, en forma secundaria, analizar su tratamiento y evolución. Presentación de casos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de una serie de casos consecutivos con NN con empiema que se presentaron en el Hospital Padre Hurtado. Siete (77,8%) eran de sexo masculino. La mediana de edad fue de 53 (rango 21-73) años. El 44% presentaban comorbilidades (diabetes, HTA o enfermedades neurológicas). El 44% presentaban abuso de drogas y 3 estaban en un estado de desnutrición severa. Manejo y evolución: La mediana de tiempo de hospitalización fue de 41 (rango 16-129) días. En 4 pacientes el germen aislado fue un Enterococcus faecalis. Complicaciones torácicas ocurrieron en el 33,3% de los pacientes. Un paciente requirió una lobectomía, un paciente una fenestración y otro paciente falleció. Discusión: Las NN con empiemas son raras. Sin embargo, frente a la asociación de diabetes, desnutrición y abuso de drogas continuaremos viendo estos casos de difícil manejo con elevada morbimortalidad.

Introduction: Necrotizing pneumonia complicated with empyema is a life-threatening condition that challenges multidisciplinary teams. The aim of this study is to perform an epidemiological characterization of these patients, and secondly, analyse their treatment and outcomes. Case presentation: A retrospective analysis of a series of consecutive patients experiencing necrotizing pneumonia with empyema who presented at Hospital Padre Hurtado. Seven (77.8%) were male. The median age was 53 (range 21-73) years. 44% presented with comorbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, and neurological diseases). 44% presented drug abuse consumption and three (33.3%) were in a state of severe malnutrition. Management and outcome: The median time of hospitalization was 41 (range 16-129) days. Thoracotomies were performed in eight (83.2%) of the patients. In four patients, the isolated bacteria's were Enterococcus faecalis. Thoracic complications occurred in three (33.3%) patients. One patient required a lobectomy, one patient a fenestration and one (11.1%) patient died. Discussion: Necrotizing pneumonias complicated with empyema are rare, however, if there is an association with drug abuse, diabetes and malnutrition, we will continue to see such challenging cases with high morbidity and mortality.