Cavitating pneumonia

Cavitating pneumonia. This patient’s CXR shows extensive consolidation in the right upper lobe (we know it’s in this lobe because it’s clearly above the horizontal fissure), with evidence of a lucent cavity within the consolidated area. Cavitation was confirmed on the subsequent CT (right). Organisms that can cause lung necrosis resulting in cavities include Staph aureus, Klebsiella, pneumococcus and TB.