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A case of extrapleural empyema
Shin-ichi Osaki1, Yoichi Nakanishi, Kouei Andou
1Nishi-Fukuoka Hospital, Graduate School of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. osaki@kokyu.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|March 19, 2002
Summary
A patient with diabetes and liver cirrhosis developed a pleural effusion. Initial treatment for intrapleural empyema failed, but open drainage successfully treated the extrapleural empyema.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus and alcoholic liver cirrhosis are significant comorbidities.
- Pleural effusions can present with diverse etiologies and management challenges.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old male with diabetes and alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented with dyspnea and fever.
- Chest CT revealed three loculated pleural effusions.
Findings:
- Initial diagnosis of intrapleural empyema treated with antibiotics and closed drainage was unsuccessful.
- Open drainage led to the diagnosis and successful treatment of extrapleural empyema.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering extrapleural empyema in complex pleural effusions.
- Appropriate surgical intervention, such as open drainage, is crucial for refractory cases.
- Management of pleural infections in patients with comorbidities requires careful diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.