What is thoracic empyema, and what are its definitions and causes?
Understand the Problem
The question presents information regarding thoracic empyema, detailing its definitions, etiologies, and causes. It seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of an important medical condition related to pleural infections.
Answer
Thoracic empyema is pus in the pleural cavity due to infection. Causes include pneumonia and abscesses.
Thoracic empyema is the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity due to infection by pyogenic organisms. Common causes include pneumonia, ruptured lung abscess, and subphrenic abscess. It can occur via local spread, direct access, or blood spread.
Answer for screen readers
Thoracic empyema is the accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity due to infection by pyogenic organisms. Common causes include pneumonia, ruptured lung abscess, and subphrenic abscess. It can occur via local spread, direct access, or blood spread.
More Information
Thoracic empyema is a serious condition with high mortality if untreated. It requires timely intervention such as antibiotics or surgical drainage.
Sources
- Empyema - Symptoms and Causes - Penn Medicine - pennmedicine.org
- Empyema: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Cleveland Clinic - my.clevelandclinic.org