PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - F.J.H. Brims
AU  - S.M. Lansley
AU  - G.W. Waterer
AU  - Y.C.G. Lee
TI  - Empyema thoracis: new insights into an old disease
AID  - 10.1183/09059180.00005610
DP  - 2010 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Review
PG  - 220--228
VI  - 19
IP  - 117
4099  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/117/220.short
4100  - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/19/117/220.full
SO  - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW2010 Sep 01; 19
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.