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Semin intervent Radiol 2011; 28(1): 075-086
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1273942
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Management of Pleural Effusion, Empyema, and Lung Abscess

Hyeon Yu1
  • 1Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 March 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space that is classified as transudate or exudate according to its composition and underlying pathophysiology. Empyema is defined by purulent fluid collection in the pleural space, which is most commonly caused by pneumonia. A lung abscess, on the other hand, is a parenchymal necrosis with confined cavitation that results from a pulmonary infection. Pleural effusion, empyema, and lung abscess are commonly encountered clinical problems that increase mortality. These conditions have traditionally been managed by antibiotics or surgical placement of a large drainage tube. However, as the efficacy of minimally invasive interventional procedures has been well established, image-guided small percutaneous drainage tubes have been considered as the mainstay of treatment for patients with pleural fluid collections or a lung abscess. In this article, the technical aspects of image-guided interventions, indications, expected benefits, and complications are discussed and the published literature is reviewed.

KEYWORDS

Pleural effusion - empyema - lung abscess - malignant pleural effusion - interventional radiology

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Hyeon YuM.D. 

Clinical Assistant Professor, Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2016 Old Clinic, CB 7510, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7510

Email: hyeon_yu@med.unc.edu

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