Simple pneumonia or something more?: A case report and discussion of unexpected empyema identified by point-of-care ultrasound

Abstract

There is evidence to suggest that point-of-care ultrasound assessment of the lungs has a higher sensitivity and specificity than chest radiography for the diagnosis of pneumonia. It is unknown if the same is true for pneumonia complications. We present and discuss the case of a 61-yearold woman who presented to the emergency department with confusion, decreased level of consciousness, and signs of sepsis. A chest x-ray revealed a right sided infiltrate. An ultrasound of the patient’s lungs was performed, and revealed a complex loculated fluid collection consistent with an empyema. A chest CT confirmed the diagnosis, and immediate percutaneous drainage was performed.