Ultrasound-assisted insertion of a small-diameter thoracic catheter for acute dorsal empyema.

Key Clinical Message: Ultrasound-assisted small catheter placement may be considered in cases where computed tomography guidance is unavailable, and ultrasound can identify pleural effusions clearly, even in cases where empyema is localized solely on the dorsal side.

Abstract: Thoracic catheter insertion for empyema can be challenging when the pleural effusion is localized dorsally and computed tomography guidance is unavailable. We report the case of a 40-year-old man with acute dorsal bacterial empyema who underwent successful ultrasound-assisted catheter placement in an orthopneic position.

Mucus plugs in peripheral bronchi: An unusual initial manifestation of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Although allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis can be associated with mucus plugs in the central bronchi, this association in the peripheral bronchi remains unclear. A 78-year-old woman presented with mucus plugs in both the peripheral and the central bronchi in the right lung, which evolved into consolidation with high-attenuation mucus after one month.