Empyema overview

Empyema Microchapters
Patient Information
Overview
Classification Subdural empyema Pleural empyema
Differential Diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

An empyema is a collection of pus within the pleural cavity. It must be differentiated from an abscess, which is a collection of pus in a newly formed cavity. Most empyemas arise from an infection within the lung (pneumonia), often associated with parapneumonic effusions.