Plombage: A historical image.

Plombage is a historical treatment in which a cavity is created surgically in the upper chest wall and the space is filled with inert material, such as fat, paraffin wax, rubber balloons, oil or methyl-methacrylate (Lucite) balls, and it also promotes lung collapse.

CLINICAL IMAGE

Plombage is a historical treatment promoting the healing process and limiting the spread of infection to other areas of the lung. In the 1930–1950s, prior to the introduction of antituberculosis drugs, collapse therapy was a frequent treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. , Currently, it is rarely used, but it is still possible to find a few patients who have undergone this surgical technique. We present an 86‐year‐old man with a medical history of pulmonary tuberculosis treated 68 years ago. Chest radiography revealed a large opacity, with multiple rounded ring shadows, occupying the right upper zone (Figure 1A). Chest computed tomography scan showed intra‐thoracic, extra‐pleural, spheres, compressing the upper right lobe (Figure 1B–D), suggesting previous plombage with Lucite balls.

FIGURE 1

(A) Posteroanterior incidence on chest x‐ray. (B–D) Coronal and axial planes of chest computed tomography scan

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None declared.

ETHICS STATEMENT

The authors declare that appropriate written informed consent was obtained for the publication of this manuscript and accompanying images.