Pleural empyema in association with renal sepsis

Five cases of pleural empyema in association with perinephric abscess or renal infection are presented. This represents 4 per cent of a series of 122 pleural empyemas, or 30 per cent of empyemas with subdiaphragmatic aetiology. It is suggested that the renal tract should be investigated in all cases of recurrent or non-resolving pleural empyema of uncertain aetiology.