Evaluation and management of pleural sepsis.

Pleural sepsis stems from an infection within the pleural space typically from an underlying bacterial pneumonia leading to development of a parapneumonic effusion. This effusion is traditionally divided into uncomplicated, complicated, and empyema. Poor clinical outcomes and increased mortality can be associated with the development of parapneumonic effusions, reinforcing the importance of early recognition and diagnosis. Management necessitates a multimodal therapeutic strategy consisting of antimicrobials, catheter/tube thoracostomy, and at times, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.