Surgical Management of an Aspergillus Empyema in a 3-Year-Old Child

Abstract

Aspergillus empyema in nonimmunocompromised children is rare. A case of surgical management of invasive aspergillosis in a previously healthy 3-year-old child is presented. The patient was initially admitted to a hospital with severe respiratory deterioration and clinical instability, originally attributed to sepsis. After surgical intervention and the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis, intravenous therapy with voriconazole was initiated. During postoperative care, the patient's condition remained stable with mild functional respiratory deficits. The diagnosis and treatment of Aspergillus empyema remains challenging, especially in cases that the recognition of aspergillosis is delayed and urgent surgical management of the empyema is required due to rapid clinical deterioration of the patient. The early initiation, prolonged administration, and close monitoring of high-dose antifungal treatment are highly recommended.