Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

8
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
8
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

1.5K
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such...
1.5K
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management

1.3K
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:
1.3K
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

6.1K
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...
6.1K
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura of the Lungs

10.8K
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
10.8K
Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

1.7K
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
1.7K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The Alteplase Dose Assessment for Pleural infection Therapy (ADAPT) Study - 3: Efficacy and safety of 1mg alteplase as a starting intrapleural dose.

Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases·2026
Same author

A Parallel Group, 1:1 Randomised, Pilot Study Comparing the Clinical Efficacy and Bleeding Risk Between Low Dose and Standard Dose Intrapleural Tissue Plasminogen Activator for Adults With Pleural Infection.

Respirology case reports·2026
Same author

The Impact of Body Weight Change on Liver Histology in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Across Various Histological Endpoints: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The American journal of gastroenterology·2026
Same author

From Tradition to Transformation: A New Era of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Management.

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)·2025
Same author

Integrative Supportive Care Trial to Enhance Physical Activity in Malignant Pleural Effusion-Protocol for the ISC-TEAM/AMPLE-5 Randomised Controlled Trial.

Respirology case reports·2025
Same author

Bilothorax Following Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage for Cholangiocarcinoma: Recognising the Depth of Pleural Reflections.

Respirology case reports·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis
03:42

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Published on: March 15, 2024

1.6K

Pleural Infection as the First Presentation of a Large Retroperitoneal Abscess.

Sugam Dhakal1, Edward Fysh1,2, Yi Jin Kuok3

  • 1Medical School, The University of Western Australia Nedlands Western Australia Australia.

Respirology Case Reports
|April 23, 2026
PubMed
Summary

Retroperitoneal empyema, a rare condition, can arise from abdominal infections spreading through diaphragmatic defects. This case highlights the importance of considering abdominal sources in patients with chest symptoms and diaphragmatic abnormalities.

Keywords:
E. colidiaphragmatic defectempyemapleural infectionretroperitoneal abscess

More Related Videos

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
06:02

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess

Published on: March 2, 2020

11.1K
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

808

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Apr 24, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis
03:42

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Retroperitoneal Approach for Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Published on: March 15, 2024

1.6K
Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess
06:02

Posterior Approach for Debridement of the Psoas Abscess

Published on: March 2, 2020

11.1K
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
03:47

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients

Published on: October 25, 2024

808

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Empyema typically arises from thoracic sources, with retroperitoneal origins being exceptionally rare due to anatomical barriers.
  • The retroperitoneal space is anatomically distinct from the pleural space, making direct spread uncommon.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of empyema originating from a retroperitoneal source.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic considerations and management of trans-diaphragmatic spread from abdominal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of an 81-year-old male presenting with pleuritic chest pain.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealing a retroperitoneal fluid collection and left-sided pleural effusion.
  • Microbiological analysis of both collections identifying *Escherichia coli*.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with symptoms following a urinary tract infection, with imaging showing a gas-containing retroperitoneal collection and loculated pleural effusion.
  • Both pleural and retroperitoneal fluid cultures yielded *Escherichia coli*, indicating trans-diaphragmatic spread.
  • Contributing factors included a large hiatal hernia and diaphragmatic defects.

Conclusions:

  • This case highlights the possibility of retroperitoneal empyema through trans-diaphragmatic spread, particularly in patients with structural diaphragmatic abnormalities.
  • Successful management involved systemic antibiotics, percutaneous drainage, and intrapleural thrombolytic/fibrinolytic therapy (tPA/DNase).
  • Clinicians should consider extra-thoracic sources for empyema, especially in the presence of abdominal pathology and diaphragmatic defects.