Lung abscess

A lung abscess is a localized microbial infection of the respiratory system characterized by liquefactive necrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma, resulting in one or more thick-walled cavities containing purulent fluid or necrotic debris It most frequently develops in individuals predisposed to the aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions, such as those with altered mental status, impaired swallowing, or severe periodontal disease, but it can also arise secondary to bronchial obstruction, preexistin...

A lung abscess is a localized microbial infection of the respiratory system characterized by liquefactive necrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma, resulting in one or more thick-walled cavities containing purulent fluid or necrotic debris Pathophysiologically, progressive tissue destruction often communicates with the tracheobronchial tree, producing the hallmark radiographic presentation of a cavitary lesion with an air-fluid level and clinically manifesting with fever, cough, pleuritic chest pain...

It most frequently develops in individuals predisposed to the aspiration of oropharyngeal secretions, such as those with altered mental status, impaired swallowing, or severe periodontal disease, but it can also arise secondary to bronchial obstruction, preexisting lung disease, or hematogenous seeding from extrapulmonary sources

Pathophysiologically, progressive tissue destruction often communicates with the tracheobronchial tree, producing the hallmark radiographic presentation of a cavitary lesion with an air-fluid level and clinically manifesting with fever, cough, pleuritic chest pain, and foul-smelling, purulent sputum