Lung Abscess Flashcards

1
Q

What is a lung abscess?

A

A well circumscribed infection within the lung parenchyma.

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2
Q

What does a lung abscess most commonly form secondary to?

A

Most commonly forms secondary to aspiration pneumonia

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3
Q

What are other potential causes of a lung abscess?

A
  • haematogenous spread- infective endocarditis
  • direct extension
  • bronchial obstruction- lung tumour
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4
Q

What are possible monomicrobial causes of a lung abscess?

A
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Klebsiella pneumonia
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
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5
Q

What are possible signs of a lung abscess?

A
  • systemic features such as night sweats and weight loss may be seen
  • fever
  • productive cough
  • often foul-smelling sputum
  • chest pain
  • dyspnoea
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6
Q

What are the symptoms of a lung abscess similar to?

A

Pneumonia- more subacute presentation

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7
Q

What clinical signs may be present in someone with a lung abscess?

A

Dull percussion and bronchial breathing
Clubbing may be seen

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8
Q

What investigation might you do if someone is presenting with a lung abscess?

A

Chest x-ray

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9
Q

What might you see on a chest x-ray of someone presenting with a lung abscess?

A
  • fluid-filled space within an area of consolidation
  • an air-fluid level is typically seen
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10
Q

What is the management of a lung abscess?

A

Intravenous antibiotics

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11
Q

What may be required if the lung abscess doesn’t resolve wit IV antibiotics?

A

Percutaneous drainage

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12
Q

What can be seen in the history of someone with a lung abscess?

A

PMH of a middle cerebral artery stroke (might indicate they have impaired swallowing- aspiration)

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13
Q

How long would antibiotic therapy be given?

A

3-6 weeks

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