title: Lung abscess: a neglected cause of life threatening haemoptysis.
abstract: Three cases who presented with life threatening haemoptysis are reported, all of whom required surgery to control the bleeding. In all three patients chronic lung abscess was responsible for the haemoptysis. Even in the absence of typical clinical or radiographic features of an abscess this diagnosis should be considered in any patient presenting with life threatening haemoptysis.
authors.affiliation: Chest Clinic, St George's Hospital, London.
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Philpott
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Woodhead
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Millard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016638:Critical Illness; D005260:Female; D006469:Hemoptysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008169:Lung Abscess / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed