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Background: Empyema thoracis is a condition resulting in the accumulation of purulent fluid in the pleural cavity. It is a common source of illness among young children and is the most common sequela of bacterial pneumonia. Aims and Objectives: This study was to determine the clinico-microbiological profile, causative agents, and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolates of the study population. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study was done in the Department of Microbiology, S. C. B. M. C. H., Cuttack. The study group comprised a total of 105 cases of empyema thoracis between the age group of 0-14 years, diagnosed by aspiration of pus from the pleural space. Complete histories of cases in detail were noted. Results: A total of 41% of patients were in the age group of 5-9 years with M: F ratio of 1.1:1. Maximum cases 36 (34.3%) were seen in the spring season. Fever, cough, and breathlessness were the most common complaints. Bronchopneumonia 56 (53.3%), impetigo, and skin lesions 29 (27.6%) were the major predisposing factors. Right-side empyema 71 (67.6%) was more common than the left side 34 (32.4%). Culture revealed Staphylococcus aureus as the most common etiologic agent 26 (36.1%), of which 30.8% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus, followed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex 13 (18.1%). Finally, 103 (98.2%) empyema cases were recovered by antibiotics and tube thoracostomy. Conclusion: Empyema thoracis is more prevalent in the lower socioeconomic population which can be prevented by an early diagnosis of pneumonia. Effective methods to treat empyema thoracis in children include the administration of proper antibiotics and tube thoracostomy in resource-poor settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Right iliac fossa mass is one of the most common clinical scenarios a surgeon encounters during their surgical practice. It poses a critical diagnostic dilemma for surgeons and requires considerable diagnostic skills. Its clinical diagnosis becomes difficult in the presence of comorbidities, such as severe obesity and guarding, as in these cases, the mass becomes palpable only upon the administration of a relaxant. Methods A total of 108 patients admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College & Hospital, exhibiting signs and symptoms of mass in the right iliac fossa upon cross-examination, were included in the study. We recorded their detailed clinical history and performed physical examinations, including erect abdomen, chest (post-anterior view), and contrast x-rays, ultrasonogram; and CT scans. Results In this study, patients with appendicular masses, appendicular abscesses, ileocecal tuberculosis, cecum carcinoma, ovarian tumors, and parietal lipoma accounted for 45.3%, 17.5%, 12.9%, 7.4%, 6.4%, and 4.6% of the total cases, respectively, whereas patients with retroperitoneal tumors, parietal abscesses, and ileocecal lymphadenopathy accounted for 1.8% each., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Behera et al.)