Abscesso pulmonar de aspiração : análise de 252 casos consecutivos estudados de 1968 a 2004

Abstract

Objetivo: Apresentar a experiência de um serviço especializado em doenças respiratórias no manejo de casos de abscesso pulmonar de aspiração. Métodos: Descrevem-se aspectos diagnósticos e resultados terapêuticos de 252 casos consecutivos de pacientes com abscesso de pulmão, hospitalizados de 1968 a 2004. Resultados: Dos 252 casos, 209 ocorreram em homens e 43 em mulheres, com média de idade de 41,4 anos. Eram alcoolistas 70,2% dos pacientes. Tosse, expectoração, febre e comprometimento do estado geral ocorreram em mais de 97% dos casos, 64% tinham dor torácica, 30,2% hipocratismo digital, 82,5% apresentavam dentes em mau estado de conservação, 78,6% tiveram episódio de perda de consciência e 67,5% apresentavam odor fétido de secreções broncopulmonares. Em 85,3% dos casos as lesões localizavam-se nos segmentos posterior de lobo superior ou superior de lobo inferior, 96,8% delas unilateralmente. Em 24 pacientes houve associação de empiema pleural (9,5%). Flora mista foi identificada em secreções broncopulmonares ou pleurais em 182 pacientes (72,2 %). Todos os doentes foram inicialmente tratados com antibióticos (principalmente penicilina ou clindamicina) e 98,4 % deles foram submetidos à drenagem postural. Procedimentos cirúrgicos foram efetuados em 52 (20,6%) pacientes (24 drenagens de empiema, 22 ressecções pulmonares e 6 pneumostomias). Cura foi obtida em 242 pacientes (96,0%) e 10 faleceram (4,0%). Conclusão: O abscesso pulmonar de aspiração ocorreu predominantemente em indivíduos adultos masculinos com doença dentária e episódio antecedente de perda de consciência (especialmente por alcoolismo). A maioria dos pacientes foi tratada clinicamente (antibióticos e drenagem postural). Um quinto deles submeteu-se a algum procedimento cirúrgico.

Objective: To relate the experience of the staff at a health care facility specializing in the management of patients with aspiration lung abscess. Methods: Diagnostic aspects and therapeutic results of 252 consecutive cases of lung abscess seen in patients hospitalized between 1968 and 2004. Results: Of the 252 patients, 209 were male, and 43 were female. The mean age was 41.4 years, and 70.2% were alcoholic. Cough, expectoration, fever and overall poor health were seen over 97% of patients. Chest pain was reported by 64%, 30.2% presented digital clubbing, 82.5% had dental disease, 78.6% reported having lost consciousness at least once, and 67.5% presented foul smelling sputum. In 85.3% of the patients, the lung lesions were located either in the posterior segments of the upper lobe or in the superior segments of the lower lobe, and 96.8% were unilateral. Concomitant pleural empyema was seen in 24 (9.5%) of the patients. Mixed flora was identified in the bronchopulmonary or pleural secretions of 182 patients (72.2%). All patients were initially treated with antibiotics (mainly penicillin or clindamycin), and postural drainage was performed in 98.4% of cases. Surgical procedures were performed in 52 (20.6%) of the patients (drainage of empyema in 24, pulmonary resection in 22 and drainage of the abscess in 6). Cure was obtained in 242 patients (96.0%), and 10 (4.0%) died. Conclusion: Lung abscess occurred predominantly in male adults presenting dental disease and having a history of loss of consciousness (especially as a result of alcohol abuse). Most of the patients were treated clinically with antibiotics and postural drainage, although some surgical procedure was required in one-fifth of the study sample.