Empyema of the Left Plural Cavity Treated by Injection of Iodine

Abstract

Thomas S. Bryan, aged 16, a native of Norway, first came under the care of Prof. Brainard, April 15, 1857, with empyema of the left plural cavity, the result of a wound. The previous history of the case, as given by his friends, is as follows: Some five months since the patient received a stab in the left side, between the fifth and sixth ribs, just below the nipple, with a sharp-pointed knife, which was followed by difficulty of breathing, spitting of blood, etc. The external wound was closed with sutures and adhesive plaster, the patient was bled, purged and confined to a low diet. At the end of three weeks the wound had healed, and the patient was able to be about, but the difficulty of breathing had not eutirely subsided, and he suffered more or less pain in that side. He remained in this state for the space of two months, when a pretty copious discharge of matter took place from the wound, which had opened by ulceration. Since which time there has been a constant discharge of extremely foetid pus from the wound, and the patient was gradually becoming weaker and emaciated. The parents of the patient being in destitute circumstances, nothing was done for him during this time.