Treating empyema without surgery

Normally, the pleural spaces contain sterile lubricating fluid that enables smooth expansion and contraction of the lungs. But when microorganisms gain entry, directly or through contiguous spread of infection, the fluid becomes increasingly dense and viscous as purulence progresses. This article outlines clinical, radiographic, and pleural fluid features that can aid in distinguishing between pleural collections that usually respond to medical therapy and those that probably require surgical intervention.