[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.