Axial chest CT confirms the presence of a pulmonary abscess. | Figure 1

CincyKidsRad

Cincinnati Children's Radiology

Axial chest CT confirms the presence of a pulmonary abscess. Pulmonary abscesses can be distinguished from other cystic lung lesions by the presence of an air fluid level, a thick irregular wall, and surrounding pneumonia. #FridayQuizDay

Why you should join Figure 1

Similar cases



Patient with a large lung abscess with necrosis of the pulmonary and surrounding soft tissue draining necrotic debris from the microbial infection](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/15871cb9-71a7-4520-b0b8-ad671c8db08a)



53yo patient with miastenia gravis gets to the ER after drained abscess. Fever, celulitis and swallowed joint. Managed with oxacilin and analgesic. Photo after debridement coming soon.](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/3eb91027-ff4b-4e82-950d-c2e5869d6eba)



Frontal radiograph (image 1) and chest CT in lung (image 2) and soft tissue (image 3) windows display an intrapulmonary abscess in a patient with tuberculosis. Primary tuberculosis typically presents with lymph node enlargement and airspace consolidation. Pulmonary abscesses are less common, usually occurring in the apical segments of the lower lobes.](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/40d560ac-5e3a-4f5c-a667-8a7c7824e191)



Frontal chest radiograph (image 1) and axial chest CT (image 2) show a pulmonary abscess (arrow) within the right middle lobe. Pulmonary abscesses are often identified by the presence of air-fluid levels. They are most commonly caused by aspiration. Less frequently, they may result from hematogenous spread of infection. Pulmonary abscesses are more prevalent in immunocompromised patients or those at high risk for aspiration.](https://app.figure1.com/case-detail/4de73ff2-361c-4b9c-ab9e-fd37cbf44abb)