EMPYEMA AS A COMPLICATION OF BLAND PULMONARY INFARCTION: CONSIDERATION OF THE PROBLEM AND REPORT OF FIVE CASES

Abstract

Empyema in bland pulmonary infarction has always been considered a rare complication. Five cases were seen. The patients had preexisting cardiovascular disease, and were critically ill. With surgical drainage and chemotherapy 4 recovered under this regimen. The 5th died postoperatively but autopsy revealed a ball valve thrombus occluding the mitral orifice.