[The treatment of Aspergillus empyema using open thoraco-myoplasty with the preservation of lung function -- case report].

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.