An Unexpected Finding on Chest Radiograph: Cavitating Pneumonia

A pulmonary cavity is defined as a gas-filled space within a zone of pulmonary consolidation or within a mass or nodule. These cavities can be identified through imaging such as plain chest radiography and computed tomography. Pulmonary cavities arise from a variety of conditions that are infectious or noninfectious, leading to a broad range of differential diagnoses. One of the differential diagnoses is cavitary pneumonia, also referred to as necrotizing pneumonia; a rare complication related to community-acquired pneumonia. Infrequency of this complication can make this disease difficult to manage, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates. This article provides an overview of a case of cavitary pneumonia that presented to an emergency department. This article discusses the history and physical, differential diagnoses/medical decision-making, management, and implications for the nurse practitioner for this patient.