A case of empyema necessitatis.

Eur J Intern Med · 2007

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

We present a case of empyema necessitatis presenting with an inflammatory cellulitis of the chest wall. Most of the cases previously reported were due to tuberculosis, pneumococcus or actinomycosis, with only a few cases being due to Staphylococcus aureus, as in this case. Early treatment with antibiotics and surgical drainage can prevent further complications.