A case of empyema necessitans in a paediatric patient with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Empyema necessitans is a rare complication of pneumonia in which pus formed in the pleural cavity extends into the surrounding tissue. In children it is mostly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but other bacterial organisms are implicated occasionally. Early diagnosis through appropriate imaging, cultures and molecular diagnostic tests of samples taken from the lesion is recommended. Outcome is good provided appropriate medical and surgical treatment are provided.