Empyema Flashcards
1
Q
What is a pleural empyema?
A
A collection of pus in the pleural space.
2
Q
Causes
A
- Complication of pneumonia.
- Iatrogenic.
3
Q
Symptoms
A
Recurrent fever, productive cough, pleuritic chest pain.
4
Q
Signs
A
Dullness to percussion, decreased breath sounds and decreased vocal resonance.
5
Q
Investigations
A
CXR, WBC, CRP, Thoracentesis, ultrasounds
6
Q
CXR
A
Will show a persisting pleural effusion D shape
7
Q
WBC
A
WBC count raised
8
Q
CRP
A
Raised
9
Q
Thoracentesis
A
Frank pus in Thoracentesis.
- pH <7.2
- Decreased glucose.
- Increased LDH
10
Q
Mortality of empyema
A
20%
11
Q
Treatment of empyema
A
IV Broad spectrum antibiotic (amoxicillin) then oral co-amoxiclav for 5 weeks.
Chest tube drainage.
Supportive care.
