Lung abscess as seen in a municipal hospital.

AU lung abscesses, a total of 95 cases, diagnosed at the Milwaukee County General Hospital from January, 1950, through December, 1958, were reviewed. The incidence remained constant during these years. Excluded were cases of minute embolic lung abscesses, bronchiectasis, tuberculous cavities, infected congenital cysts, hydatid cysts, and abscesses due to central necrosis of extensive neoplasms. The following data were recorded in each case: age, race, sex, length of hospitalization, relationship between time of diagnosis and prognosis, associated diseases, methods of diagnosis, presenting symptoms, findings on physical examination, laboratory studies, results of therapy, and radiologic findings. Differences between the fatal and non-fatal groups were determined.