Lung abscess

The formation of pus in the lung parenchyma is called lung abscess.

Predisposing factors:

         i.            Pneumonia

       ii.            Orodental abscess

      iii.            Aspiration

     iv.            Tumor (lung)

       v.            Foreign body

     vi.            Achalasia

    vii.            Congenital lung malformation

  viii.            Malnutrition

     ix.            Immunocompromised people (HIV)

       x.            TB

Bacterial involvement:

Gram –ive bacteria:

·         Bacteriods

·         Fusobacterium

·         E coli

Gram +ive bacteria:

·         Staphylococcus

·         Streptococcus

Opportunistic organisms:

·         Candida species

Clinical features:

o   Anorexia

o   Weight loss

o   Fever

o   Chest pain

Investigations:

§  X – Ray

§  CT scan

CT Scan of Lung

Posted in: Surgery; Thorax