Presentation
Symptoms consistent with a chest infection.
Patient Data
Age: 45
Gender: Female
From the case:
Pleural empyema
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10143679/eb20ebc6cd31fea32b2b0306349b39_thumb.jpeg)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10143680/43821b320daa6d298f92a84b818a2f_thumb.jpeg)
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Info
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10143679/eb20ebc6cd31fea32b2b0306349b39_big_gallery.jpeg)
The x-ray shows a large left-side pleural effusion with mediastinal shift. The right lung is clear.
From the case:
Pleural empyema
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10154965/fd6808e8313aa6149d8b2bd56d3972_thumb.jpg)
![This study is a stack](/packs/stack-YQKLCKBI.gif)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10154713/9f779b1a55b1d6c3db8b7a69c90e18_thumb.jpg)
![This study is a stack](/packs/stack-YQKLCKBI.gif)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10153893/78a0939df3e0015985f744f1a2ad39_thumb.jpg)
![This study is a stack](/packs/stack-YQKLCKBI.gif)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10152705/698ff5211685abb768153872ece65e_thumb.jpg)
![This study is a stack](/packs/stack-YQKLCKBI.gif)
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10153072/d3fc8e239fb1b6a0cce13bfb080abd_thumb.jpg)
![This study is a stack](/packs/stack-YQKLCKBI.gif)
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Info
![](https://prod-images-static.radiopaedia.org/images/10154965/fd6808e8313aa6149d8b2bd56d3972_big_gallery.jpg)
The left hemithorax is filled with a huge pleural collection with small air bubbles inside and with the left lung compressed medially and consequent mediastinal shift.
Case Discussion
This pleural collection was confirmed to be an empyema.