Bilateral empyema secondary to Hemophilus influenzae epiglottitis

Abstract

An empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural space, often due to aerobic bacteria, that requires drainage typically done with a small bore chest tube and fibrinolytics. The large majority of empyemas are unilateral. Bilateral empyemas are rare, usually non-infectious and typically require surgical management. We report a case of Hemophilus influenzae epiglottitis complicated by bilateral culture proven empyema successfully managed without surgery. The aim of this report is to present a rare complication of epiglottitis and discuss the theoretical issues with management of multiple infected pleural spaces requiring fibrinolytics.

Keywords

• Empyema
• Bilateral empyema
• Hemophilus influenzae
• Epiglottitis
• Pleural effusion
• Fibrinolysis