Empyema

Question 1

Empyema: Define

Answer 1

Pus in the pleural space.
This is usually caused by Streptococci Infections (may follow after Pneumonia)
Empyema is characterised by having a pH < 7.2, a low glucose < 3.4 mmol/L, and a high LDH > 200 IU/L or 2-3 times above upper limit of normal range for serum.
Triad of low pH, low glucose, but high LDH.

Question 2

Empyema: Symptoms:

Answer 2

Chest Pain
High swinging fever
No cough

Question 3

Empyema: Investigations

Answer 3

CXR
CT of Thorax
Pleural Ultrasound
Pleural Aspiration (for diagnosis)

Question 4

Empyema: Treatment

Answer 4

Chest Drain
IV Antibiotics
If no improvement, then surgery.