Empyema | Figure 1
CincyKidsRad
Empyema
Axial chest CT shows an irregular moderate right pleural effusion with an enhancing rim (arrow). Fluid and locules of air (arrowhead) extend within the fissure. Empyema represents pus within the pleural space. This can be difficult to distinguish on CT. On ultrasound, look for complex collections including multiple septations and pleural thickening. On CT, there may be pleural thickening, enhancement, and locules of air.