stages of empyema

Q: There are how many stages of pleural empyema? 

Answer: 3

There are three stages of pleural (or any) empyema 

• stage 1 is an exudative phase 
• stage 2 is when frank pus is visible 
• stage 3 is the organization phase 

Clinical relevance: As empyema progressed towards late stage 2 and 3, the surgical consultation should be obtained.

#pulmonary
#surgical-critical-care


References:

1. Wozniak CJ, Paull DE, Moezzi JE, et al. Choice of first intervention is related to outcomes in the management of empyema. Ann Thorac Surg 2009; 87:1525. 

2. Ahmed AE, Yacoub TE. Empyema thoracis. Clin Med Insights Circ Respir Pulm Med 2010; 4:1.