Spontaneous Bacterial Empyema in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis

Abstract

Spontaneous bacterial empyema (SBEM), a relatively rare complication of liver

cirrhosis, is characterized by a bacterial infection of the transudative pleural fluid

without obvious infection focus within the thoracic cavity. The analysis of pleural fluid shows characteristic 'infected transudate' with occasional identification of causative organism as in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The outcome is relatively favorable with early identification of the disease and subsequent proper antibiotic therapy alone.

Closed horacotomy is necessary in most cases and may be even more hazardous.

We report a case of SBEM in a 37-year old male patient with hepatitis B-virus

associated liver cirrhosis who recovered with antibiotic therapy alone.