PULMONARY ABSCESS: pus inside the lung
ImageDon't confuse with empyema!

On xray:
 Rounded or oval opacity with thick wall.
 Air-fluid interface.
 In a dependent part of the lung.

Causes:Image
 Complication of
    aspiration pneumonia,
    usually from oropharyngeal
   flora.
 From septic seeding.
 Post-obstructive infection
   (behind a tumor).

by the webmaster@cybermed.ucsd.edu
Copyright © 2004, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine