RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Empyema thoracis: new insights into an old disease JF European Respiratory Review JO EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW FD European Respiratory Society SP 220 OP 228 DO 10.1183/09059180.00005610 VO 19 IS 117 A1 F.J.H. Brims A1 S.M. Lansley A1 G.W. Waterer A1 Y.C.G. Lee YR 2010 UL http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/117/220.abstract AB Pleural infection is a disease of historical importance and is still a modern menace, with incidences rising in adults and children, and a significant mortality in adults. Basic research is hampered by limitations with in vivo models, and the bacteriology of empyema is complex. The role of thoracic ultrasound in guiding investigation and drainage of empyema is clear. Prompt treatment with appropriate systemic antibiotics and chest tube drainage are the key; in cases of failure of these measures, thoracic surgery is of proven efficacy in the treatment of this age-old disease.