Fusobacterium nucleatum Empyema Necessitans

Abstract

Empyema necessitans is a rare complication of pleural space infections that occurs when empyema fluid spontaneously dissects into the chest wall from the pleural space. Most cases result from inadequate treatment of an empyema and usually occur following a necrotizing pneumonia or pulmonary abscess. Anaerobic organisms are the predominant pathogens recovered in a majority of cases [1–3]. We describe a patient who presented with an exacerbation of pulmonary symptoms accompanied by a chest mass and was found to have empyema necessitans due to Fusobacterium nucleatum.