Abstract
Increased cancer risk in patients with inflammatory and infectious diseases has been reported in many studies and lung cancer‐associated empyema in <0.3% patients. We present a patient with empyema in whom the final diagnosis was metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Purulent pleural fluid obtained by drainage or thoracentesis must always been examined because the association of malignant tumors and empyema should be taken into consideration.
Highlights
We describe the case of a patient with empyema in whom the final pathology result was metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung
The patient subjected to video-assisted thoracoscopy: At surgery, a massive parietal and visceral pleural thickening was found with the trapped lung
Physicians must be aware of a possible presence of cancer when patients with empyema are refractory to standard treatment
Summary
The incidence of pleural empyema as a primary finding in lung cancer patients is low (0.1%-0.3%), and only a few references on its management and outcome are reported in the literature.[1]. She smoked 30 cigarettes per day for 40 years. Chest radiographs revealed complete atelectasis of left lung with signs of mediastinal shift (Figure 1). A chest CT scan confirmed a left pleural thickening with mixed high-density pleural fluid and collapsed lung (Figure 2). A chest tube was placed into the pleural space with evacuation of 1000 cc of dark-colored purulent liquid. The respiratory symptoms and vomiting improved, but a daily evacuation of 200/300 cc of pleural fluid persisted. Chest CT scan showed reduction of pleural effusion with persistent atelectasis of lower left lobe and diffuse pleural thickening (Figure 3). The patient subjected to video-assisted thoracoscopy: At surgery, a massive parietal and visceral pleural thickening was found with the trapped lung.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
