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Spontaneous clostridial empyema and pyopneumothorax.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|September 1, 1984
Summary
Clostridium perfringens can cause pleural empyema without chest trauma. This serious infection requires drainage and antibiotics for treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Pleural empyema is a significant thoracic infection.
- Clostridium perfringens is a rare but potent cause of empyema.
- Understanding predisposing factors is crucial for early diagnosis.
Observation:
- Five patients developed Clostridium perfringens pleural empyema without penetrating thoracic injury.
- Two of these patients presented with pyopneumothorax.
- A review of 13 additional literature cases was conducted.
Findings:
- Predisposing factors include aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary embolism/infarction, and bacteremia from other sites.
- Existing pleural disease and pulmonary tuberculosis are also identified as risk factors.
- The causative agent, Clostridium perfringens, highlights the importance of anaerobic bacteria in empyema.
Implications:
- Early recognition of Clostridium perfringens as a pathogen is vital.
- Prompt drainage and appropriate antimicrobial chemotherapy are essential for effective treatment.
- Further research into specific risk factors and optimal management strategies for anaerobic empyema is warranted.