Complications
Caused by spread of infection into the pleural space or by contamination of the pleural cavity after percutaneous drainage. Diagnosed with chest x-ray and chest CT. Management includes pleural drainage with chest tube insertion, antibiotics, and possible intrapleural thrombolytics.
Massive hemoptysis is a rare and life-threatening complication of chronic lung abscess.[65] Thoracotomy is often required for management. Bleeding may be controlled temporarily with inflation of a balloon catheter in the segmental orifice or by bronchial artery embolization.
Aspiration of infected secretions into the unaffected lung may follow attempts to drain large abscesses with bronchoscopy. Massive intrabronchial aspiration of pus may cause acute asphyxiation and death.[57] In minor cases, contralateral pneumonia may result from spilling of infected secretions.
Extremely rare complication of untreated chronic lung abscess. Tissue biopsy revealing amyloid deposits is diagnostic. Treatment includes controlling underlying chronic infection and managing complications of secondary amyloidosis.
Extremely rare complication, caused by hematogenous dissemination. MRI of the brain with contrast is required for diagnosis. Treatment includes antibiotics, prophylaxis with anticonvulsants, and possible surgery for evacuation.
Image-guided percutaneous aspiration can cause a pneumothorax. Symptoms include chest pain and dyspnea. Chest x-ray confirms presence of a pneumothorax. Treatment includes drainage with insertion of a chest tube.
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