A Case of Empyema Necessitans: An Uncommon Presentation of Empyema

Background empyema is an accumulation of pus in the pleural space. empyema necessitans occurs when pus extends through the parietal pleura into the surrounding tissues. case report we present here a 4 months old baby with severe respiratory distress and associated huge boggy swelling over the left side of his chest and back. evaluation revealed pus accumulated in the pleural space which extended to the subcutaneous tissue; a case of empyema necessitans an uncommon occurrence with empyema. early intercostal drainage (icd) insertion helped to save the baby. conclusion empyema can sometimes extend beyond the pleural space into the surrounding tissue leading to empyema necessitans. early and prompt intervention is necessary which could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.