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Persistent hiccups as a rare presenting symptom of empyema: a case report
An-Fu Lee1, Hong-Wei Lee2, Zui-Shen Yen3
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Yun-Lin Branch, National Taiwan University Hospital, Douliu City, Taiwan.
Background:
Empyema is uncommon owing to antibiotic use but still affects patient health if not treated. Hiccups as the initial symptom of empyema are rare; however, empyema should be considered if a patient has persistent hiccups with unexplained fever.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of persistent hiccups, left upper quadrant abdominal pain, and fever on day 1, and total left lung white-out and empyema on day 3. The hiccups resolved gradually after antibiotic treatment and surgical decortication.
Conclusions:
Clinicians should consider the possibility of empyema and conduct a chest computed tomography study if unexplained fever and persistent hiccups coexist.
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