Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Empyema necessitans in the setting of pneumonia and parapneumonic effusion

Saud I Ahmed1, Ria E Gripaldo, Oladipo A Alao

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Harlem Hospital Center, New York, New York 10037, USA.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|February 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Empyema necessitans is a rare complication of pleural infections where infected fluid spreads into the chest wall. This condition often arises from untreated or inadequately treated empyema, typically following pneumonia or abscess.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Empyema necessitans is a rare but serious complication of pleural space infections.
  • It involves the spontaneous dissection of infected pleural fluid into the chest wall.
  • This can stem from bronchopleural extension of peripheral lung infections.

Observation:

  • The abstract describes two cases of empyema necessitans.
  • These cases highlight the progression of pleural infections into the thoracic wall.
  • Inadequate treatment of initial empyema is a common precursor.

Findings:

  • Empyema necessitans typically occurs secondary to necrotizing pneumonia or pulmonary abscess.
  • It signifies a failure in the management of underlying pleural infections.
  • The condition involves the spread of infection beyond the pleural space into adjacent tissues.

Implications:

  • Early and effective treatment of empyema is crucial to prevent complications like empyema necessitans.
  • Recognition of this rare condition is important for appropriate clinical management.
  • Further research into risk factors and optimal treatment strategies is warranted.

More Related Videos

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition09:17

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition

Published on: March 3, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...