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Lung Abscess

Daniel R. Matta, DFPHM, FAAFP, MD and Peyton Camp Lloyd, MPH, MD Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Pulmonary abscess or lung abscess is a polymicrobial infection of the lung parenchyma that causes necrosis and destruction of the normal pulmonary parenchyma with resultant cavitatio...

DIAGNOSIS

Typically, made by chest x-ray in a patient with compatible historical and clinical features. 

HISTORY

  • Usually a smoldering infection with subacute to chronic course of symptoms.

  • Most patients ...

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

  • Antimicrobial therapy is almost always empiric, reflecting the difficulty of obtaining specimens that are appropriate for anaerobic culture; long time required to complete such cul...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Serial CXRs should be monitored for resolution or stability of initial findings (1).

  • Monitor disease progression as well as side effects of antibiotics, particula...

REFERENCES

1
Duncan  C, Nadolski  G, Gade  T, et al. Understanding the lung abscess microbiome: outcomes of percutaneous lung parenchymal abscess drainage with microbiologic cor...

CODES

ICD10

  • J85.2 Abscess of lung without pneumonia

  • J85.1 Abscess of lung with pneumonia

  • A06.5 Amebic lung abscess

  • J85.3 Abscess of mediastinum

SNOMED

  • 73452002 Abscess of lung (disorder)

  • 196112005 abscess of...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Commonly presents secondary to aspiration of anaerobic bacteria that colonize the oral cavity

  • Antibiotic treatment is successful in most patients; surgical options are considered when m...

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