Infection of the residual pleural space fifty-nine years after artificial pneumothorax for pulmonary tuberculosis

A 79-year old man with serious comorbidities developed empyema of the residual pleural space that was the sequelae of collapse therapy with artificial pneumothorax performed 59 years ago for pulmonary tuberculosis. Drainage of the infected pleural space through open-window thoracostomy resulted in reversal of systemic toxicity and full recovery.