Ruptured lung abscess: Often a result of delayed diagnosis and treatment

Summary 

Here we have documented two cases, first case was 35-year-old young male, chronic alcoholic, who came to OPD with chest pain and breathlessness for last one month. Chest X-ray showed left hydropneumothorax. Previous chest X-ray, taken 1 month back, showed left lower zone lung abscess. Ruptured lung abscess was confirmed by CT thorax. Intercostal drain was put and appropriate antibiotics with chest physiotherapy were started and patient recovered completely. In second case, 48-year-old male presented with fever for last 45 days. Chest X-ray showed right lower zone lung abscess. CT Thorax showed abscess, both in lung as well as in pleural cavity. Bronchography was done with fibre optic bronchoscope and CT thorax taken post-bronchography showed presence of dye in pleural cavity, confirming the presence of bronchopleural fistula. Brush cytology revealed tubercular infection. Patient was started on antitubercular treatment and patient responded well.

Keywords: Bronchography, Ruptured lung abscess, AFB