Emergent management of empyema.

Abstract

Empyema is a frankly purulent infection of the pleural space most often occurring secondary to parapneumonic effusion. Imaging, specifically contrast-enhanced computed tomography, plays a critical role in diagnosis with a "split pleura" sign being highly suggestive in the appropriate clinical setting. Diagnostic thoracentesis with culture and Gram stain further guides appropriate antibiotic therapy. Therapeutic drainage with small-bore tube thoracostomy has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment of early stage empyema. Augmentation of tube placement with intrapleural fibrinolytics and mucolytics facilitates catheter drainage by degrading loculations and decreasing fluid viscosity, respectively.

• Authors: Osman Ahmed, Steven Zangan
• Journal: Seminars in interventional radiology (Semin Intervent Radiol) Vol. 29 Issue 3 Pg. 226-30 (Sep 2012) ISSN: 0739-9529 [Print] United States
• PMID: 23997416 (Publication Type: Journal Article)