Unusual presentation of empyema necessitans: case report and review of the literature.

ABSTRACT

Empyema necessitans is characterized by the extension of a pleural empyema into adjacent structures beyond the pleural space. Although rare, it adds significant complications to patients already suffering from pleural empyema. Standard of surgical care has yet to be characterized or described in the literature. Here, we describe the unusual presentation of a 55-year-old man with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus empyema necessitans and outline both our surgical intervention and thoracic reconstruction. We present our case's presentation, management, and outcome. We then review the literature and describe a multidisciplinary approach for management. Empyema necessitans is a very rare and morbid condition requiring urgent intervention to promote optimal outcomes.