Problem

Empyema

Other Names:
Chronic empyema
Purulent pleuritis
Pyothorax
Nature:

An empyema () is a collection or gathering of pus within a naturally existing anatomical cavity. The term is most commonly used to refer to pleural empyema, which is empyema of the pleural cavity. It must be differentiated from an abscess, which is a collection of pus in a newly formed cavity. Empyema most commonly occurs as a complication of pneumonia but can also result from other infections or conditions that lead to the collection of infected fluid in a body cavity.

The term is from Greek ἐμπύημα, "abscess".

Related Problems:
Abscesses
Problem Type:
G: Very specific problems
Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST