Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
Empyema Necessitans a Rare Complication of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Empyema in a Child
1From the Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas.
Abstract:
Empyema necessitans is a rare complication of a pleural effusion that occurs when infected fluid dissects into the chest wall from the pleural space. Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Actinomyces israelii have previously been the most commonly reported etiologic agents. This case presents an empyema necessitans secondary to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) following an influenza A infection in a child.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction
Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...

