Related Experiment Videos
Spontaneous bacterial pleuritis in a patient with cirrhosis
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|January 1, 1984
Abstract:
Empyema of the left pleural cavity developed suddenly in a nonalcoholic cirrhotic patient. Cultures of the pleural fluid under anaerobic conditions grew Clostridium perfringens, an organism normally found in the enteric flora. The infection developed in an old pleural effusion. Since there was no evidence of trauma, necrotizing pneumonitis or subphrenic infection, spontaneous bacterial pleuritis is proposed.
Insights
Spontaneous bacterial pleuritis occurred in a patient with cirrhosis. Clostridium perfringens from gut flora caused empyema in the pleural cavity, suggesting a novel infection pathway.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Liver cirrhosis is associated with increased infection risk.
- Pleural effusions are common in cirrhotic patients.
- Bacterial infections can complicate pre-existing pleural effusions.
Observation:
- A nonalcoholic cirrhotic patient developed acute empyema of the left pleural cavity.
- The patient had a pre-existing pleural effusion.
- No evidence of trauma, pneumonia, or subphrenic infection was found.
Findings:
- Pleural fluid cultures revealed Clostridium perfringens under anaerobic conditions.
- Clostridium perfringens is a component of the normal enteric flora.
- The empyema developed spontaneously within the old pleural effusion.
Implications:
- This case suggests spontaneous bacterial pleuritis as a potential cause of empyema in cirrhotic patients.
- Gut-derived Clostridium perfringens can translocate to the pleural space.
- Highlights the importance of considering enteric pathogens in spontaneous pleural infections.