Empyema CT

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Empyema Microchapters

Patient Information

Overview

Classification

Subdural empyema
Pleural empyema

Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Prince Tano Djan, BSc, MBChB [2]

Overview

On Computed tomographic scan, empyema is seen as a lung mass whose cavity is regular with smooth and regular lumen and well-defined boundary. The shape changes with change in patient's position.[1] Mass on CT scan may resolve on antibiotics. The split pleura sign on CT scan is present (most reliable sign to differentiate empyema from lung abscess where it is absent).[2][3]

CT

On Computed tomographic scan, empyema is seen as a lung mass whose cavity is regular with smooth and regular lumen and well-defined boundary. The shape changes with change in patient's position.[1] Mass on CT scan may resolve on antibiotics. The split pleura sign on CT scan is present (most reliable sign to differentiate empyema from lung abscess where it is absent).[2][3]



CT of the chest demonstrates a very large right sided pleural collection with
thickened surrounding pleura (the so called split pleura sign) and multiple
gas bubbles. The adjacent lung is compressed and collapsed[4]


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Baber CE, Hedlund LW, Oddson TA, Putman CE (1980). "Differentiating empyemas and peripheral pulmonary abscesses: the value of computed tomography". Radiology. 135 (3): 755–8. doi:10.1148/radiology.135.3.7384467. PMID 7384467.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Stark DD, Federle MP, Goodman PC, Podrasky AE, Webb WR (1983). "Differentiating lung abscess and empyema: radiography and computed tomography". AJR Am J Roentgenol. 141 (1): 163–7. doi:10.2214/ajr.141.1.163. PMID 6602513.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Kraus GJ (2007). "The split pleura sign". Radiology. 243 (1): 297–8. doi:10.1148/radiol.2431041658. PMID 17392263.
  4. https://radiopaedia.org/cases/empyema Accessed on Jan 9th, 2017


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