Pleural empyema

Pleural empyema, also known as empyema thoracis, is a severe, suppurative infection of the respiratory system characterized by the accumulation of frank pus or infected exudative fluid within the pleural cavity

Pleural empyema, also known as empyema thoracis, is a severe, suppurative infection of the respiratory system characterized by the accumulation of frank pus or infected exudative fluid within the pleural cavity

It most commonly arises in pediatric and adult populations as an advanced complication of bacterial pneumonia (complicated parapneumonic effusion), but it can also develop following thoracic trauma, instrumentation, or surgery

It most commonly arises in pediatric and adult populations as an advanced complication of bacterial pneumonia (complicated parapneumonic effusion), but it can also develop following thoracic trauma, instrumentation, or surgery

Pathophysiologically, the condition progresses from an early exudative effusion to a fibrinopurulent stage marked by heavy neutrophil infiltration, low pleural fluid pH, and loculations, ultimately leading to an organizing stage with dense fibrous peel formation that can entrap the underlying lung and severely impair pulmonary function

Pathophysiologically, the condition progresses from an early exudative effusion to a fibrinopurulent stage marked by heavy neutrophil infiltration, low pleural fluid pH, and loculations, ultimately leading to an organizing stage with dense fibrous peel formation that can entrap the underlying lung and severely impair pulmonary function