Parapneumonic effusion

A parapneumonic effusion is a type of pleural effusion that arises as a result of a pneumonia. There are three types of parapneumonic effusions: uncomplicated effusions, complicated effusions, and empyema. Uncomplicated effusions generally respond well to appropriate antibiotic treatment. Complicated parapneumonic effusions respond more variably: many resolve with antibiotics but may benefit from early pleural fluid drainage. Treatment of empyemas includes antibiotics, complete pleural fluid drainage, and reexpansion of the lung.