Pleural Space Infections

Diagnosis:

- Chest x-ray +/- ultrasound or CT

- Thoracentesis

• Pleural fluid for Gram stain/culture, AFB stain/culture, WBC

- Sputum for C&S/AFB

Management:

- Pleural fluid drainage with chest tube recommended if:

• respiratory distress
• large parapneumonic effusions
• purulent effusions.

- If incomplete drainage, consider early administration of fibrinolytic agents and surgical consult.

- If pleural peel, surgical consult for decortication/VATS.