Ernesto Mazza MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Silvia Lucarini MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Silvia Pradella MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Francesco Mondaini MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Francesco Gabbrielli MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ilario Menchi MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Evaluating effectiveness of percutaneous drainage of bacterial and fungal antibiotic resistant lung abscesses.

From December 2000 to December 2008, 23 patients (age 26-81 years) with bacterial and fungal lung abscesses, resistant to antibiotic therapy, were treated with percutaneous CT-guided drainage. Bacterial or fungal abscess diagnosis was confirmed with fine needle aspiration. In 12 patients needle aspiration was effective for drainage, using a 21G and 18G Chiba needle in 7 and 11 patients respectively. In 11 patient 14 Fr catheter positioning was necessary. CT scans were obtained in all patients before, during and after the drainage. Clinical evaluation of abscess resolution was achieved with CT scans. All patients received antibiotic therapy based on the antibiogram obtained after aspiration or empirical basis.  

Complete resolution of the lesions was obtained in all cases. The mean period of hospitalization was 4 days. Drainages were left in place for 5 days. Clinical resolution occurred after a mean time of 2 days, while resolution on CT images was visible in most cases after one month. Pneumothorax occurred in 5 patients and was treated by positioning in the same session a pleural drainage.

Percutaneous drainage of bacterial and fungal lung abscess is an effective procedure which provides specific informations concerning antibiotic resistances with a low costs and an acceptable incidence of complications.

Percutaneous drainage of bacterial and fungal lung abscess is an effective therapy of antibiotic resistant lung abscess.

Mazza, E, Lucarini, S, Pradella, S, Mondaini, F, Gabbrielli, F, Menchi, I, Percutaneous Drainage of Lung Abscess: A 23 Cases Experience.  Radiological Society of North America 2009 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 29 - December 4, 2009 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2009/8012539.html