Empyema Necessitans is a rare complication of Empyema Thoracis that is caused by a longstanding pleural infection such as persistent pleural effusion. It is caused by an extension of pus to nearby structures including the chest wall and is usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. It is difficult to diagnose since its features are similar to those of other disease entities such as malignancies; therefore, imaging tests such as a chest CT scan are helpful in establishing the diagnosis. In addition, other diagnostic tests such as acid-fast stain and GeneXpert may be falsely negative due to inadequate or incorrect sampling location. One such case is this 30-year-old female with chronic cough and recurrent pleural effusion that progressed to Empyema Necessitans presenting as an abdominal mass where sputum GeneXpert was negative, but aspirate of the abdominal mass showedMycobacterium tuberculosis. Prompt initiation of anti-tuberculosis treatment once diagnosis is confirmed as well as emphasizing its completion is imperative for definitive treatment. As such, family physicians have a vital role in navigating patients for further workup and necessary referrals for a multidisciplinary management especially in persistent disease processes as well as screening and treatment of the family for holistic care.

Human ; Female ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs Old ; Mycobacterium Tuberculosis