Pus in a body cavity; when used without qualification, refers specifically to pyothorax. [G. e., suppuration, fr. en, in, + pyon, pus]
- e. benignum SYN: latent e..
- latent e. the presence of pus in a cavity, especially one of the accessory sinuses, unattended by subjective symptoms. SYN: e. benignum.
- mastoid e. SYN: mastoiditis.
- e. necessitatis e. necessitans, a form of pyothorax in which the pus burrows to the outside, producing a subcutaneous abscess that finally ruptures through the skin; it may result in spontaneous recovery without requiring an operation.
- e. of the pericardium SYN: purulent pericarditis.
- pneumococcal e. infection of the pleural cavity by Streptococcus pneumoniae, the pneumococcus, with pus formation.
- pulsating e. a large, tense collection of pus in the pleural cavity through which the cardiac pulsations are transmitted to the chest wall.
- streptococcal e. purulent exudation into the pleural cavity caused by infection with Streptococcus hemolyticus.
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em·py·ema .em-.pī-'ē-mə n, pl -ema·ta -mət-ə also -emas the presence of pus in a bodily cavity (as the pleural cavity) called also pyothorax
em·py·emic -mik adj
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n.
pus in the pleural cavity, usually secondary to infection in the lung or in the space below the diaphragm. Empyema is a life-threatening condition, which can be relieved by aspiration or drainage of the pus or by decapsulation (see decortication).
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em·py·e·ma (em″pi-eґmə) [Gr. empyema] 1. abscess. 2. a pleural effusion (q.v.) containing pus; called also thoracic e., purulent or suppurative pleurisy, and pyothorax.Medical dictionary. 2011.