A lung abscess is a localized collection of pus within the lung parenchyma, characterized by cavities larger than 2 cm that contain necrotic debris or fluid due to microbial infection. This condition often results from aspiration during episodes of altered consciousness, with alcoholism being a common predisposing factor. Lung abscesses may be acute (resolving in <6 weeks) or chronic (persisting for >6 weeks) and are categorized as primary when resulting from oropharyngeal secretion aspiration or secondary when arising from pulmonary conditions, including bronchial obstructions (eg, tumors or foreign bodies) and existing lung conditions (eg, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, or lung contusions). Lung abscesses may also arise from hematogenous spread of an extrapulmonary pathology. Early symptoms mimic pneumonia, including fever, chills, cough, night sweats, and chest pain, with a productive cough developing as a hallmark sign.Diagnostic studies such as chest radiographs, computed tomography scans, sputum examination, and bronchoscopy are crucial for identifying the causative agents and differentiating lung abscesses from other conditions, including cavitary tuberculosis and lung carcinoma. Treatment typically involves broad-spectrum antibiotics, with surgical interventions like drainage or pulmonary resection reserved for specific cases. Complications can include pyopneumothorax or pleural empyema, especially in immunocompromised patients. This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance the learner’s recognition of the underlying etiology and clinical features of lung abscesses, as well as competence in the diagnostic evaluation and appropriate management of patients with a lung abscess to improve outcomes.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/24485
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: IPCE Credits: 1.5 hours
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Ambulatory/Outpatient, Complex General Surgical Oncology, Critical Care, Critical Care Medicine, General Operative Anesthesia, General Surgery, General Thoracic, Geriatric Medicine, Hospice & Palliative Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Neurocritical Care, Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Surgery, Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary, Mediastinum, Surgical Critical Care, Thoracic Anesthesia, Vascular Surgery