Pneumonectomy: The final cut in a rare incidence of persistent bronchopleural fistula following empyema.

The incidence of necrotizing pneumonia and empyema complicated by bronchopleural fistula is rising. We describe the case of a 2-year-old boy who presented with empyema thoracis and necrotizing pneumonia who developed a bronchopleural fistula. At initial thoracotomy for decortication, necrotic lung was found and resected. He subsequently underwent further thoracotomy, prolonged chest tube drainage and endobronchial glue application attempts to close a bronchopleural fistula. The fistula was only sealed at third thoracotomy and completion pneumonectomy. This case highlights the potential challenges faced when dealing with air leaks in the setting of infection and we discuss the treatment options available.

Pulmonary sequestration.

Pulmonary sequestration refers to the situation whereby a portion of lung tissue receives its blood supply from an anomalous systemic artery. Three main variants exist: intralobar, extralobar and communicating bronchopulmonary foregut malformations. Venous drainage is typically via a systemic vein, although drainage into the pulmonary veins is well documented. Pulmonary sequestrations are the second commonest congenital lung anomaly. Affected individuals often have other anomalies which are responsible for most of the mortality associated with sequestrations. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion particularly in any child with a chest x-ray suggesting the presence of a mass, those with recurrent chest infections and those with other anomalies seen with the pulmonary sequestration spectrum. Surgical excision is usually advised, although embolisation of the feeding vessel has a role in selected cases.