Empyema Necessitatis: case report

Abstract

The Formation of an abscess in the pleural space that spreads through the adjacent tissues is known as Empyema Necessitatis, which is a rare complication, even more if it is secondary to trauma. An early management is vital and consists of a surgical drainage of empyema associated with broad-spectrum antibiotics until the etiologic agent is identified. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most common etiology found. The article presents a report on a medical case of a 47 year-old patient without a significant personal medical history, who was initially admitted for polytrauma due to a fall from his own height. The trauma was treated in a conventional way. After 15 days, is admitted again with fever and a new mass in the wall chest. A CT tomography showed a pus fistulation from the pleural space through the soft tissues of the chest. A drainage was performed and broad-spectrum antibiotics were given until sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was identified. Finally, the patient got better and continued ambulatory management.