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