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Empyema

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Definition:

Empyema is a collection of pus in the cavity between the lung and the membrane that surrounds it (pleural space).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Empyema is caused by an infection that spreads from the lung and leads to an accumulation of pus in the pleural space. The infected fluid can build up to a quantity of a pint or more, which puts pressure on the lungs, causing shortness of breath and pain.

Risk factors include recent pulmonary (lung) conditions including bacterial pneumonia , lung abscess , thoracic surgery, trauma or injury to the chest, or rarely, a needle inserted through the chest wall to draw off fluid in the pleural space ( thoracentesis ).

References:

Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Murray JF, Nadel JA. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2005.

Ahmed RA, Marrie TJ, Huang JQ. Thoracic empyema in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Am J Med . October 2006;119:877-883.

Qureshi NR, Gleeson FV. Imaging of Pleural Disease. Clin Chest Med . June 2006;27:193-213.

• Review Date: 3/1/2007
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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