Intrapulmonary gallstone

Ann Thorac Surg. 2015 Apr;99(4):1420-2. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2014.05.099.

Abstract

An octogenarian presented to her primary care physician with hemoptysis and a disabling chronic cough that developed several months after a complicated partial cholecystectomy. During investigation, a biopsy sample showed a right lower lobe inflammatory mass containing bile pigment and abundant neutrophils. Thoracotomy performed approximately 18 months after symptom onset confirmed a right lower lobe lung abscess together with a large gallstone embedded at its center and a healed defect in the right hemidiaphragm. A wedge excision of this mass was performed. The patient made an excellent uncomplicated recovery from this rare complication of a gallbladder operation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cholecystectomy / adverse effects*
  • Cholecystectomy / methods
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gallstones / diagnosis
  • Gallstones / surgery*
  • Hemoptysis / diagnosis
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Abscess / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Abscess / etiology*
  • Lung Abscess / surgery*
  • Pneumonectomy / methods*
  • Radiography
  • Rare Diseases
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Thoracotomy / methods
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome