Lung abscess revisited. A survey of 184 cases

One hundred eighty-four patients with lung abscess, admitted to the Hospital of the University of Mississippi between 1960 and 1982, were studied with respect to sex (149 men and 35 women), age (mainly fourth to sixth decades), location of abscess(es) (RLL, RUL, and LLL mainly), predisposing factors (aspiration in sensorium disorders, obstruction, gingivo-dental suppuration, immunoincompetence) and nonoperative (89%) and operative (11%) therapy, usually lobectomy. Data from the different decades were compared, but there were few major differences. Mortality rate was 22% in the 1960s, 25% in the 1970s, and 28% in 1980-1982. Major management problems involved massive pulmonary hemorrhage, impaired immune defenses, old-age debility, bronchopleural fistula with empyema, or very large cavity. Anaerobic bacteria predominate and penicillin is the treatment of choice. Incidence of operation is declining, but cases are more often complicated. Prognosis is good in the uncomplicated case.