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A palpable chest wall mass in a 4-year-old boy
Jakob M Domm1, Joanne M Langley2,3,4
1Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Summary
Empyema necessitans (EN) is a rare complication of respiratory infections. Early suspicion in children with chest masses and recent infections is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Empyema necessitans (EN) is a serious complication of lower respiratory tract infections.
- Diagnosis of EN can be challenging, often leading to delays in treatment.
Observation:
- A case of a child with an atypical presentation of EN is described.
- The child was afebrile and asymptomatic for chest pain.
- The presentation included a palpable chest wall mass following a recent respiratory infection.
Findings:
- Atypical presentations of EN can occur in children.
- Chest wall masses in children with a recent respiratory infection history warrant high suspicion for EN.
Implications:
- Low threshold for suspecting EN in pediatric patients is recommended.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of EN are critical for favorable outcomes.
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