Lung Abscess Flashcards
What is a lung abscess?
A well circumscribed infection within the lung parenchyma.
What does a lung abscess most commonly form secondary to?
Most commonly forms secondary to aspiration pneumonia
What are other potential causes of a lung abscess?
- haematogenous spread- infective endocarditis
- direct extension
- bronchial obstruction- lung tumour
What are possible monomicrobial causes of a lung abscess?
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Klebsiella pneumonia
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
What are possible signs of a lung abscess?
- systemic features such as night sweats and weight loss may be seen
- fever
- productive cough
- often foul-smelling sputum
- chest pain
- dyspnoea
What are the symptoms of a lung abscess similar to?
Pneumonia- more subacute presentation
What clinical signs may be present in someone with a lung abscess?
Dull percussion and bronchial breathing
Clubbing may be seen
What investigation might you do if someone is presenting with a lung abscess?
Chest x-ray
What might you see on a chest x-ray of someone presenting with a lung abscess?
- fluid-filled space within an area of consolidation
- an air-fluid level is typically seen
What is the management of a lung abscess?
Intravenous antibiotics
What may be required if the lung abscess doesn’t resolve wit IV antibiotics?
Percutaneous drainage
What can be seen in the history of someone with a lung abscess?
PMH of a middle cerebral artery stroke (might indicate they have impaired swallowing- aspiration)
How long would antibiotic therapy be given?
3-6 weeks
