Abscess air fluid levels

[Enzymes]

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I am a little confused about why an abscess is described as having air fluid levels on Xray. Is the air referring to the air inside the abscess? Where is this coming from? And what is the fluid? Probably a simple answer, but I am totally confused. Appreciate any help!

 

[teotuf]

Air is either produced by the bacteria (not that common), or from connection bronchial tree. Fluid is mostly pus and inflammatory debris. All you really have to know is when they are describing an air level on the xray is that it's a cavitating abscess (as opposed to something like a solid mass, granuloma, etc. where you wouldn't see a air fluid level), which carries with it a specific set of differential diagnosis (i.e. staph, klebsiella, pseudomonas, etc.)

 

[Enzymes]

Great, thanks!