Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) Decortication for the Management of Brucella Empyema

Background: Brucellosis is a significant public health concern in endemic regions. Although pulmonary involvement is rare, there are a few reported cases of empyema. This case report discusses a rare instance of brucellosis leading to empyema and pleural thickening. Case Report: A 55-year-old patient presented with dyspnea and was subsequently diagnosed with pleural effusion. Based on the medical history, tests were conducted on blood and pleural fluid, both of which tested strongly positive for Brucella agglutination. Further imaging showed pleural thickening and an expansion defect, necessitating videoassisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for decortication. Conclusion: Untreated brucellosis can lead to severe complications, including rare conditions such as empyema and pleural thickening. Therefore, early diagnosis and the prompt initiation of medical treatment are crucial to prevent these serious complications.