Empyema and Abscess Pneumonia Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Jan 26, 2021
  • Author: Michael A Ward, MD; Chief Editor: Robert E O'Connor, MD, MPH  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Pleural empyema can be distinguished from lung abscess by using computed tomography scanning or ultrasonography. Other conditions to consider include excavating tuberculosis and mycosis, and pulmonary cystic lesions. Excavating bronchial carcinomas have a thicker and irregular wall compared to infectious lung abscess. [4]

Differential Diagnoses