Empyema

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Empyema Classification and external resources
MeSH	D004653

An empyema is a collection of pus within a naturally existing anatomical cavity. It must be differentiated from an abscess, which is a collection of pus in a newly formed cavity.

In human medicine, empyema occurs in:

• the pleural cavity (pleural empyema)
• the uterus (pyometra)
• the appendix (appendicitis)
• the meninges (subdural empyema)
• the joints (septic arthritis)
• the gallbladder