empyema Flashcards
what is an empyema?
pus in the pleural space
what can cause an empyema?
can be a complication of pneumonia, typically aerobic organisms cause it
what is the presentation of an empyema?
low glucose levels, raised LDH and the aspirated pleural fluid is yellow and turbid with a pH< 7.2
what are the investigations for an empyema?
CXR, CT scan and ultrasound imaging
what should be seen on a CXR for an empyema?
blunting to the costophrenic angle, perhaps a D sign
what does an ultrasound allow?
targeted sampling of effusions
what does a CT scan allow?
differentiation between empyema and abscess
what are the complications of an empyema?
20% mortality rate
what’s the treatment for an empyema?
chest drainage, targeted oral antibiotics for 5 weeks and a broad spectrum of IV antibiotics including amoxicillin and metronidazole
