Empyema - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

Empyema is defined as the presence of pus in the pleural space.
Risk factors include pneumonia, iatrogenic intervention in the pleural space, diabetes, and alcohol abuse.
In patients with symptoms and signs of infection and a significant pleural effusion, thoracentesis (pleural aspiration) must be performed urgently.
If empyema or a complicated parapneumonic effusion is diagnosed, a chest drain must be inserted urgently.
A prolonged course of antibiotics is also required.

CT scan of thoracic empyema

From the collection of Najib Rahman, RTU, Oxford

Quick Reference

History & Exam
- Key Factors
- Other Factors
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Diagnostics Tests
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Treatment Options
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Definition

Epidemiology

Etiology

Pathophysiology

Images

Ultrasound image of heavily septated empyema
CT scan of thoracic empyema
CT scan of thoracic empyema
MRI scan of septated empyema

Citations

Key Articles

Shen KR, Bribriesco A, Crabtree T, et al. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery consensus guidelines for the management of empyema. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2017 Jun;153(6):e129-46.[Full Text]
Maskell NA, Davies CW, Nunn AJ, et al. UK controlled trial of intrapleural streptokinase for pleural infection. N Engl J Med. 2005 Mar 3;352(9):865-74.[Abstract][Full Text]
Canadian Paediatric Society. Paediatric complicated pneumonia: diagnosis and management of empyema. Jan 2024 [internet publication].[Full Text]

Referenced Articles

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