Empyema

Question 1

Wtf

Answer 1

Pus in pleural cavity

Question 2

What causes it and what organismS?

Answer 2

Chest Trauma
Complication of Pneumonia & TB

Streptococcus (52%)
Staph Aureus (11%)
Anaerobes (20%)

Question 3

Signs/Symptoms?

Answer 3

High Fever
Chest Pain
No Cough
Dyspnoea
Weight Loss - Malaise
Diminished Lung Sounds

Question 4

Investigations?

Answer 4

CT
Pleural Ultrasound
Pleural Aspiration (will look pussy and have pH<7.2)

Question 5

Treatment?

Answer 5

Chest Drain
IV antibiotics (may be up to 6 weeks)
Thoracotemy to drain