Resumen Objetivo: Exponer nuestra experiencia con el colgajo vertical de trapecio y destacar su utilidad en la reconstrucción de la pared torácica en pacientes con fístulas broncopleurales. Material y métodos: Presentamos una serie de cinco pacientes con cavidades y fístulas broncopleurales de larga evolución. Utilizamos el colgajo musculocutáneo vertical de Trapecio, con un redireccionamiento del mismo a través de una ventana costal que permite acortar la distancia entre el colgajo y el defecto. Resultados: La fístula y el defecto fueron solucionados en el 80% de los casos. La calidad de vida mejoró y las necesidades de oxígeno disminuyeron. Conclusiones: El manejo de las toracotomías es un reto. El desbridamiento, toracoplastia y cobertura con colgajo son los pilares de su tratamiento, pero estos pacientes tienen escasa disponibilidad muscular. El colgajo musculocutáneo vertical de Trapecio representa la mayor unidad intacta musculocutánea en el tórax tras cirugía pulmonar. Su componente dérmico ofrece una matriz rígida para sellar el muñón bronquial, su componente muscular añade una gran cantidad de tejido vascularizado. No se han descrito déficits funcionales tras su uso.

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to present our experience with the vertical musculocutaneous trapezius (VMCT) flap and highlight its utility in the thoracic wall reconstruction in patients with bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Materials and methods: We present a five case series of patients with long-standing cavities and BPF. The VMCT flap was used, and a direct pathway into the defect was made through a separate posterior thoracotomy shortening the distance between the flap and the defect. Results: In 80% of the cases, the flap succeeded in solving the fistula and filling the defect, quality of life improved, and the need for oxygen decreased. Conclusions: Management of open window thoracostomy is challenging. Debridement, thoracoplasty, and flap coverage are the mainstream of their treatment, but these patients have scarce available muscle. The VMCT flap represents the major non-affected musculocutaneous unit in the thoracic area after lung surgery. Its dermal component offers a rigid matrix to form a seal over the bronchial stump. Its muscular component adds a good amount of vascularized tissue. No functional impairment has been described after its use.

Resumen: Introducción: la infección por coronavirus de tipo 2 causante del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (SARS-CoV-2) se ha propagado rápidamente resultando en una pandemia, condicionando afección grave en miles de pacientes alrededor del mundo. Aunque el número de artículos sobre esta patología crece exponencialmente, hay pocos casos clínicos publicados que describan complicaciones pulmonares a largo plazo. Reporte de caso: masculino de 57 años con derrame pleural derecho secundario a enfermedad por coronavirus de 2019 (COVID-19), se coloca sonda endopleural sin lograr expansión pulmonar completa. Se presenta a toracotomía exploradora que revela neumonía necrotizante, fístula broncopleural del lóbulo medio derecho y paquipleuritis como complicaciones pulmonares tardías de infección por SARS-CoV-2. Conclusión: se requiere continuar una ardua investigación con respecto a la gran variabilidad de complicaciones por COVID-19 y plantear tratamiento quirúrgico para pacientes seleccionados.

Abstract: Introduction: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has spread rapidly resulting in a pandemic, causing a serious condition in thousands of patients around the world. Although the number of articles concerning this illness grows exponentially, there are few published clinical cases that describe long-term lung complications. Case report: 57-year-old male with right pleural effusion secondary to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An endopleural catheter was placed without achieving complete lung expansion. An exploratory thoracotomy was performed finding necrotizing pneumonia, bronchopleural fistula of the right middle lobe and pachypleuritis as late pulmonary complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion: it is necessary to continue an arduous investigation regarding the great variability of complications due to COVID-19 and to propose surgical treatment for selected patients.

ABSTRACT The accumulation of purulent fluids or the presence of bacteria in the Gram´s stain in the pleural liquid is defined as empyema. It can develop in the 2 to 12% of children with pneumonia, generally the bacterial one. It evolves in three phases: exudative, fibrinopurulent and organized. The clinical picture is a consequence of respiratory manifestations with persistent fever and general discomfort. The radiology studies are important for the diagnosis and the pleural ultrasound is the preferred imaging modality because it confirms the presence and volume of the pleural fluid, as well as the existence of septa. The treatment is based in the use of antibiotic therapy and the drainage through a pleurostomy; if there is presence of septa, slough or the biochemical study of the pleural liquid informs of pH/7, glucose /2.2 mmol/L, LDH / 1000 UI, so it is started the use of intrapleural streptokinase. The surgical treatment is indicated if there is a clinical and radiological worsening after finishing the use of fibrinolytics, persistence of sepsis associated to pleural collection in spite of the drainage, fibrin shell that hampers pulmonar reexpanding; and bronchopleural fistula with pneumothorax.

RESUMEN La acumulación de fluido purulento o la presencia de bacterias en la tinción de Gram en el líquido pleural se define como empiema, se puede desarrollar entre 2- 12 % de los niños con neumonía, por lo general bacteriana. Evoluciona en tres fases, la exudativa, fibrinopurulenta y organizada. El cuadro clínico está dado por manifestaciones respiratorias con fiebre persistente y malestar general. Los estudios radiológicos son importantes para el diagnóstico y es el ultrasonido pleural la modalidad de imagen preferida pues confirma la presencia y volumen de fluido pleural, así como la existencia de septos o tabiques. El tratamiento se basa en antibioticoterapia y drenaje a través de una pleurostomía; si hay presencia de tabiques, esfacelos o el estudio bioquímico del líquido pleural informa pH /7; glucosa /2,2 mmol/L; LDH/ 1000 UI, se comienza con estreptoquinasa intrapleural. El tratamiento quirúrgico se indica si hay deterioro clínico y radiológico después de concluir el uso de fibrinolíticos, persistencia de sepsis asociada a colección pleural a pesar del drenaje, coraza de fibrina que impide la reexpansión pulmonar y fístula broncopleural con neumotórax. La mortalidad es baja.

RESUMO Objetivo: A pneumonia necrosante (PNS) é uma grave e rara complicação da pneumonia adquirida na comunidade, acometendo principalmente crianças, sendo assim, objetivamos analisar prontuários de crianças submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico de PNS e comparação dos resultados obtidos com os presentes na literatura médica. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de crianças submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico por PNS entre julho de 2006 a julho de 2016 em dois hospitais do sul de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Resultados: Do total de 26 crianças, com mediana de idade 2,70 anos, maioria mulheres (61,5%). Os principais sintomas foram febre (88,5%) e tosse (65,4%). Houve média de 4,31 antibióticos utilizados por paciente. O principal agente etiológico foi o Staphylococcus aureus (23,1%) mas as culturas foram negativas em 69% dos pacientes. Em 23 pacientes realizou-se decorticação e desbridamento das áreas necróticas (88,5%). A média de drenagem pleural pós-operatória foi 8,12 dias. Fístula broncopleural ocorreu em 50,0% no pré-operatório e 46,2% após a cirurgia. O tempo total de internação hospitalar foi, em média, de 27,52 dias e tempo pós-operatório com média de 12,60 dias. Complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em 13 crianças e não houve mortalidade. Conclusões: Propõe-se abordagem cirúrgica nos pacientes sem resposta ao tratamento clínico, pois o atraso na intervenção cirúrgica associa-se a infecção progressiva no parênquima pulmonar e taxas maiores de complicações. A cirurgia pode conduzir a melhor evolução clínica e recuperação mais precoce.

ABSTRACT Objective: Necrotizing pneumonia (PNZ) is a severe and rare complication of a community-acquired pneumonia, affecting mainly children. We aimed to analyze medical records of children undergoing surgical treatment for PNZ and compare our results with those found in the medical literature. Methods: Retrospective analysis of children’s medical charts who underwent an operation for PNZ, between July 2006 and July 2016, in two hospitals in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. Results: A total of 26 children with a median age of 2.70 years and mostly females (61.5%) were included in the current study. The main symptoms were fever (88.5%) and cough (65.4%). There was an average use of 4.31 antibiotics per patient. The primary etiological agent was Staphylococcus aureus (23.1%), but cultures were negative in 69% of the patients. Decortication and debridement of necrotic areas were performed in 23 patients (88.5%). The mean postoperative pleural drainage was 8.12 days. The presence of bronchopleural fistula occurred in 50.0% in the preoperative period and 46.2% in the postoperative. The total length of hospital stay was, on average, 27.52 days and the postoperative length of stay was 12.60 days (mean). Postoperative complications occurred in 13 children and there was no mortality. Conclusion: The surgical approach is indicated to patients with no response to clinical treatment. Late surgical intervention is associated with progressive parenchyma infection and higher rates of complications. Surgery can lead to better clinical outcomes and earlier recovery.

Resumen: Introducción: neumonía necrotizante (NN) es una complicación frecuente en niños hospitalizados por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC), caracterizada por importante morbilidad. En 2009, se elaboró una definición de caso, que permitió unificar criterios y racionalizar recursos en la asistencia de estos niños. Objetivo: describir características clínicas y evolutivas de niños que desarrollaron NN en los últimos 10 años. Metodología: estudio descriptivo de niños hospitalizados por NN entre 1/1/2009 y 31/12/2018. Definición de caso: neumatoceles y uno o más de los siguientes criterios: mal estado general, fiebre persistente o recurrente, leucocitosis mayor a 30.000 o menor a 5.000/mm3, proteína C reactiva mayor a 120 mg/dl, láctico deshidrogenasa en líquido pleural mayor a 2.500 UI/L y/o fístula broncopleural (FBP). Se describieron características epidemiológicas, clínicas, etiológicas y evolutivas. Resultados: se diagnosticó NN en 197 niños (7,92% de las hospitalizaciones por NAC), con número anual de casos y tasas/10.000 egresos variables. La mediana de edad fue de 25 meses; 89,8% eran sanos. La fiebre previa al diagnóstico tuvo mediana de cinco días. Tenían neumonía multilobar 58%, insuficiencia respiratoria 62%, sepsis 19%, empiema 80% y fístula bronquio-pleural 51%. Persistieron con fiebre mediana por siete días. Requirieron cuidados intensivos 46% y asistencia ventilatoria mecánica 18%. Los reactantes de fase aguda al ingreso fueron elevados. Se identificó agente etiológico en 102 casos, S. pneumoniae en 92. Fallecieron dos niños. Conclusiones: NN fue una complicación frecuente en niños hospitalizados por NAC. La presentación clínica y la evolución fueron graves. La identificación etiológica fue elevada, la mayoría correspondió a S. pneumoniae. La mortalidad fue baja.

Summary: Introduction: necrotizing pneumonia (NP) is a complication of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in hospitalized children, with significantly high morbidity. A case definition was devised in 2009, which enabled physicians to unify criteria and rationalize resources for the assistance of children with NP. Objective: describe clinical characteristics and evolution of children who developed NP. Methodology: descriptive study, NP hospitalized children between 1/1/2009 and 12/31/2018. Case definition: pneumatoceles and one or more of the following criteria: malaise, persistent/recurrent fever, white blood cell count over 30,000 or less than 5.000/mm3, C-reactive protein over 120 mg/dL, lactic dehydrogenase in pleural fluid over 2,500UI/L and/or bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Clinical, epidemiological, etiological and evolutionary characteristics were described. Results: NP was diagnosed in 197 children (7.92% of CAP hospitalizations), with variable annual cases and annual rate/10,000 discharges. Children had a median age of 25 months; 89.8% were previously healthy. They presented fever prior to diagnosis, median 5 days, multilobar pneumonia 58%, respiratory failure 62%, sepsis 19%, empyema 80% and BPF 51%, persistent fever median 7 days. 46% required intensive care and 18% required assisted mechanical ventilation. Acute phase reactants on admission were high. An etiological agent was identified in 102 cases, S.pneumoniae in 92. Two children died. Conclusions: NP was a frequent complication in CAP hospitalized children. Clinical presentation and evolution were severe. The etiological identification was high, most of them corresponded to S. pnuemoniae. Mortality was low.

Resumo: Introdução: a pneumonia necrosante (PN) é uma complicação da pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) em crianças hospitalizadas, com morbidade significativamente elevada. Em 2009, elaborou-se uma definição de caso, que possibilitou aos médicos unificar critérios e racionalizar recursos para o atendimento à criança com PN. Objetivo: descrever as características clínicas e evolutivas de crianças que desenvolveram PN nos últimos 10 anos. Metodologia: estudo descritivo de crianças internadas por PN entre 01/01/2009 e 31/12/2018. Definição de caso: pneumatoceles e um ou mais dos seguintes critérios: mau estado geral, febre persistente ou recorrente, leucocitose superior a 30.000 ou inferior a 5.000 / mm3, proteína C reativa superior a 120 mg / dl, desidrogenase láctica no líquido pleural superior 2.500 UI / L e / ou fístula broncopleural (BPF). Descreveram-se características epidemiológicas, clínicas, etiológicas e evolutivas. Resultados: a PN foi diagnosticada em 197 crianças (7,92% das internações por PAC), com número de casos e taxas anuais variáveis/10.000 altas. A idade média foi de 25 meses; 89,8% eram saudáveis. A febre antes do diagnóstico teve uma mediana de 5 dias. Eles tinham 58% de pneumonia multilobar, 62% de insuficiência respiratória, 19% de sepse, 80% de empiema e 51% de FBP. Eles persistiram com febre mediana por 7 dias. 46% necessitaram de cuidados intensivos e 18% de assistência ventilatória mecânica. Os reagentes de fase aguda na admissão foram elevados. Em 102 casos foi identificado um agente etiológico, S. pneumoniae em 92. 2 crianças morreram. Conclusões: NP é uma complicação frequente em crianças hospitalizadas por PAC. O quadro clínico e a evolução foram graves. A identificação etiológica foi alta, a maioria correspondeu a S. pneumoniae. A mortalidade foi baixa.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a cintilografia por inalação-perfusão pulmonar como método alternativo de investigação e acompanhamento em pacientes com fístula broncopleural (FBP). Materiais e Métodos: Nove pacientes com FBPs foram tratados de forma endoscópica com o uso off label de um oclusor transcateter de defeito do septo interatrial e foram seguidos com cintilografia de inalação-perfusão pulmonar usando tomografia computadorizada por emissão de fóton único com câmera de cintilação de duas cabeças e inalação com 900-1300 MBq (25-35 mCi) de ácido dietilenotriaminopentacético marcado com tecnécio-99m, inserido num nebulizador. Resultados: Broncoscopia e teste de azul de metileno não foram capazes de detectar dois casos de vazamento residual, detectados apenas por cintilografia por inalação-perfusão pulmonar. Esses resultados foram correlacionados com a evolução desses pacientes que tardiamente apresentaram sinais de vazamento de ar confirmando os achados da cintilografia. Pacientes com resolução completa dos sintomas e com aspecto broncoscópico do fechamento da fístula apresentaram cintilografia negativa completa. Em casos de falha no fechamento da FBP, a cintilografia por inalação-perfusão confirmou a persistência da fuga de ar. Em dois pacientes, a cintilografia foi o único método a mostrar FBP residual, apesar da ausência da fístula por avaliação broncoscópica. Conclusão: Neste estudo, a cintilografia de inalação-perfusão pulmonar mostrou ser um instrumento útil para identificar FBP residual e como método alternativo de investigação e seguimento de pacientes com FBPs.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the use of pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy as an alternative method of investigation and follow-up in patients with bronchopleural fistula (BPF). Materials and Methods: Nine patients with BPFs were treated through the off-label use of a transcatheter atrial septal defect occluder, placed endoscopically, and were followed with pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy, involving inhalation, via a nebulizer, of 900-1300 MBq (25-35 mCi) of technetium-99m-labeled diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid and single-photon emission computed tomography with a dual-head gamma camera. Results: In two cases, there was a residual air leak that was not identified by bronchoscopy or the methylene blue test but was detected only by pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy. Those results correlated with the evolution of the patients, both of whom showed late signs of air leak, which confirmed the scintigraphy findings. In the patients with complete resolution of symptoms and fistula closure seen on bronchoscopy, the scintigraphy was completely negative. In cases of failure to close the BPF, the scintigraphy confirmed the persistence of the air leak. In two patients, scintigraphy was the only method to show residual BPF, the fistula no longer being seen on bronchoscopy. Conclusion: We found pulmonary inhalation-perfusion scintigraphy to be a useful tool for identifying a residual BPF, as well as being an alternative method of investigating BPFs and of monitoring the affected patients.

Abstract Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) is a common problem in premature neonates with respiratory distress syndrome. This condition is often related to barotrauma caused by mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure applied to low birth weight neonates. The clinical diagnosis can be challenging. However, after proper diagnosis, several interventions are available for successful management. We describe an infant who developed severe PIE with recurrent pneumothoraces and development of a persistent bronchopleural fistula shortly after repair of a hypoplastic aortic arch and description of successful lobectomy with the assistance of extracorporeal support (ECMO).

RESUMEN Los nódulos reumatoides pulmonares son una manifestación extra-articular infrecuente de la artritis reumatoide (AR). Su estudio es importante porque su presentación clínica e imagenológica puede confundirse con tuberculosis, infecciones fúngicas y neoplasias pulmonares. Producen pocos síntomas y pueden conducir a complicaciones fatales como neumotórax, fístula broncopleural y sobreinfección con formación de abscesos. La confirmación diagnóstica fundamental descansa en el estudio histopatológico, dado que es un diagnóstico de exclusión. El tratamiento precisa seguimiento clínico ya que no hay una terapia dirigida utilizándose en casos severos rituximab y tocilizumab. En general, su aparición tiende a empobrecer el pronóstico de los pacientes con AR.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary rheumatoid nodules are an uncommon extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Its study is important because the clinical and imaging presentation could be confused with tuberculosis, fungal infections, and/or lung neoplasms. Pulmonary nodules produce few symptoms and can lead to fatal complications such as pneumothorax, bronchopleural fistula, and a superinfection with abscess formation. The fundamental diagnostic confirmation is the histopathological study because it is an exclusion diagnosis. The treatment needs clinical follow-up as there is no targeted therapy, with Rituximab and Tocilizumab being used in severe cases. In general, their appearance tends to lead to a poorer prognosis of patients with RA.

A fístula broncopleural, embora rara em idade pediátrica, é uma das possíveis complicações da pneumonia adquirida na comunidade. Criança do sexo masculino com dois anos de idade, previamente saudável, com vacinação anti-pneumocócica completa, internado no quinto dia de doença com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade, complicada com empiema. Colocado dreno torácico em D7 e realizada terapêutica fibrinolítica intra-pleural. Em D10 foi removido o dreno por suspeita de fístula broncopleural. A tomografia computadorizada de tórax foi compatível com pneumonia necrotizante complicada com fistula broncopleural. Submetido a tratamento conservador com antibioterapia de largo espetro durante seis semanas, com evolução favorável. Atualmente, com dois anos de seguimento tem-se mantido assintomático. Os autores salientam que, mesmo em crianças previamente saudáveis, a pneumonia adquirida na comunidade pode complicar com pneumonia necrotizante e fístula broncopleural.

Bronchopleural fistula, although rare in infant and child, is one of the possible complications of community-acquired pneumonia. A two-years-old boy, previously healthy, with complete anti-pneumococcal vaccination, was hospitalized on the fifth day of illness with a community-acquired pneumonia complicated with empyema. A chest tube was placed in D7 with intra-pleural fibrinolytic administration. In D10 the chest drain was removed after suspicion of a brochopleural fistula. Chest tomography was consistent with necrotizing pneumonia complicated with bronchopleural fistula. Conservative treatment with broad spectrum antibiotic therapy was decided for six weeks, with a favorable outcome. At two years of follow-up he remained asymptomatic. The authors point out that, even in previously healthy children, community-acquired pneumonia may complicate with necrotizing pneumonia and bronchopleural fistula.

Hydrocarbon aspiration (HA) can cause significant lung disease by inducing an inflammatory response, hemorrhagic exudative alveolitis, and loss of surfactant function. The most serious side effect of HA is aspiration pneumonia. Pneumothorax, pneumatocele, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary abscess, bronchopleural fistula, bilateral hemorrhagic pleural effusion and pyopneumothorax were previously reported. Hereby we report a patient hospitalized due to aspiration pneumonia who developed pleurisy and pneumothorax after drinking paint thinner. It is presented as it was seldom reported in children to cause distinct pulmonary complications. Patients with complaints associated withhydrocarbon poisoning must be fully evaluated. They must not be discharged from the hospital early and must be followed for at least 48 hours even if they don't have respiratory symptoms. It should be kept in mind that severe pulmonary complications can develop in patients with chemical pneumonia.

La aspiración de hidrocarburos puede causar un daño significativo a los pulmones al inducir una respuesta inflamatoria, alveolitis exudativa hemorrágica y pérdida de la función del tensioactivo pulmonar. El efecto secundario más grave de la aspiración de hidrocarburos es la neumonía por aspiración. Anteriormente se han notificado casos de neumotórax, neumatocele, síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda (SDRA), absceso pulmonar, fístula broncopleural, derrame pleural bilateral hemorrágico y pioneumotórax. En este artículo presentamos el caso de un paciente hospitalizado debido a neumonía por aspiración que desarrolló pleuritis y neumotórax después de ingerir disolvente para pintura. Se presenta este caso ya que raramente se ha informado en niños como causa de complicaciones pulmonares diferentes. Es necesario evaluar integralmente a los pacientes con complicaciones asociadas a la intoxicación por hidrocarburos. Debe evitarse el alta hospitalaria temprana de los pacientes, quienes deben ser controlados durante, al menos, 48 horas, aunque no tengan síntomas respiratorios. Debe considerarse que los pacientes con neumonía química pueden tener complicaciones pulmonares graves.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve in experimental bronchopleural fistula during mechanical ventilation.METHODS:We studied six mechanically ventilated pigs in a surgically created, reproducible model of bronchopleural fistula managed with mechanical ventilation and water-sealed thoracic drainage. An adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve was placed between the thoracic drain and the endotracheal tube. Hemodynamic data, capnography and blood gases were recorded before and after the creation of the bronchopleural fistula as well as after every adjustment of the inspiratory occlusion valve.RESULTS:When compared with the standard water-sealed drainage treatment, the use of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve improved the alveolar tidal volume and reduced bronchopleural air leak (p<0.001), without hemodynamic compromise when compared with conventional water sealed drainage.CONCLUSION: The use of an adjustable inspiratory occlusion valve improved the alveolar tidal volume, reduced alveolar leak, in an experimental reproducible model of bronchopleural fistula, without causing any hemodynamic derangements when compared with conventional water sealed drainage.

Radiographic images and symptoms of healed non-collapsed pulmonary tuberculous cavities can mimic emphysematous bullae. Objective: To identify characteristics that facilitate the differential diagnosis between both entities, preoperatively. Material and methods: We present four patients treated between March and December 2010, referred to thoracic surgery with radiologic diagnosis of emphysematous giant bullae, previously treated by pulmonary tuberculosis. Results: The first patient was operated on with diagnosis of giant emphysematous bulla. Pathological findings defined the actual diagnosis: healed non-collapsed pulmonary cavity. Anamnesis and previous radiographies facilitated the differential diagnosis in the remaining three patients. Surgical indications were the presence of the cavity (> 8 cm) accompanied by mild to moderate dyspnea. A patient developed a bronchopleural fistula, empyema and hemoptysis requiring antituberculous treatment due to the possibility of tuberculosis reactivation. Nonetheless, tuberculous bacillus was not demonstrated. Conclusions: In geographic areas with high prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis, the history of this disease and the presence of pulmonary cavities in the affected lobe, after finishing the medical treatment, the diagnosis of healed non-collapsed cavity must be suspected, instead of emphysematous bullae.

Las imágenes radiográficas de cavidades tuberculosas cicatrizadas no colapsadas y sus síntomas pueden simular bulas de enfisema. Objetivo: Describir las características que faciliten el diagnóstico diferencial preoperatorio, las indicaciones quirúrgicas y el resultado. Material y métodos: Presentamos cuatro pacientes operados entre marzo y diciembre de 2010 con diagnóstico radiológico inicial de bulas enfisematosas gigantes, previamente tratados por tuberculosis pulmonar. Resultados: El primer paciente fue intervenido con diagnóstico de bula enfisematosa gigante. El resultado anatomopatológico fue compatible con una caverna tuberculosa cicatrizada no colapsada. En los enfermos restantes, el interrogatorio y la revisión de radiografías previas facilitaron el diagnóstico diferencial. La indicación quirúrgica fue la presencia de la cavidad gigante (> 8 cm) acompañada de disnea leve a moderada. Un paciente presentó una fístula broncopleural, empiema y esputos hemoptoicos. Se indicó tratamiento antituberculoso por posible reactivación de la enfermedad, aunque no se aisló el bacilo de Koch. No hubo fallecidos. Conclusiones: En áreas geográficas con alta prevalencia de tuberculosis, el antecedente de la enfermedad y la demostración de cavidades en la zona afectada por la infección, meses después de concluido el tratamiento médico, se debe sospechar el diagnóstico de cavernas cicatrizadas no colapsadas en lugar de bulas enfisematosas.

PURPOSE:To investigate the hemodynamic and ventilatory changes associated with the creation of an experimental bronchopleural fistula (BPF) treated by mechanical ventilation and thoracic drainage with or without a water seal.METHODS :Six large white pigs weighing 25 kg each which, after general anesthesia, underwent endotracheal intubation (6mm), and mechanically ventilation. Through a left thoracotomy, a resection of the lingula was performed in order to create a BPF with an output exceeding 50% of the inspired volume. The chest cavity was closed and drained into the water sealed system for initial observation of the high output BPF.RESULTS:Significant reduction in BPF output and PaCO2 was related after insertion of a water-sealed thoracic drain, p< 0.05.CONCLUSION: Insertion of a water-sealed thoracic drain resulted in reduction in bronchopleural fistula output and better CO2 clearance without any drop in cardiac output or significant changes in mean arterial pressure.