Infection of a pneumonectomy cavity 16 years after surgery

BACKGROUND: infection of the residual cavity after pneumonectomy generally occurs early after surgery. CASE REPORT: A 67-year old patient was hospitalized with fever 16 years aft er pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Investigations led to the diagnosis of in fection of the pneumonectomy cavity. DISCUSSION: late infection several years after pneumonectomy is exceptional and usually occurs in a setting of bacteriemia. Diagnosis is difficult due to modifications of the thoracic signs but should be entertained whenever unexplained fever or an inflammatory syndrome occurs in a pneumonectomized patient. The thoracic CT scan shows an abnormally enlarged cavity Bacteriol ogical examination of evacuated fluid provides the key to diagnosis. Draina ge-ravage is indicated. Surgery may be needed exceptionally.