Empyema Thoracis: An Increasing Incidence with New Recognized Pathogen

Abstract

Volume 5 -Issue 1 placement are felt to develop empyema due to iatrogenic pleural space infection. Primary thoracic empyema refers to pleural empyema in patients without clear evidence of underlying pneumonia or other recognized conditions to explain bacterial invasion to pleural space [6]. Streptococcus intermedius/milleri has been identified as a common pathogen for empyema and lung abscess [7]. The pathogenicity of Streptococcus intermedius/milleri causing empyema without pneumonia is still incompletely understood. Diagnostic thoracentesis and pleural fluid analysis in patients with pleural effusion can help detect complicated effusion early in the course, guide treatment with appropriate antibiotics and pleural space drainage which can prevent progression to empyema, avoid the need for more invasive procedures such as video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) or open thoracotomy with debridement and decortication [8]. It is important to note that adequate and complete drainage of empyema is central to effective therapy.