Lung abscess overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Lung abscess is necrosis of the pulmonary tissue and formation of cavities (more than 2 cm)[1] containing necrotic debris or fluid caused by microbial infection.This pus-filled cavity is often caused by aspiration, which may occur during altered consciousness. Alcoholism is the most common condition predisposing to lung abscesses.Lung Abscess is considered primary(60%) when it results from existing lung parenchymal process and is termed secondary when it complicates another process e.g. vascular emboli or follows rupture of extrapulmonary abscess into lung.