Incipient empyema as an embolic complication of group A streptococcal septic arthritis in a patient with concomitant influenza B infection.

A 43-year-old healthy male presented with left ankle septic arthritis. Surgical specimens cultured (group A Streptococcus, GAS) and IV benzylpenicillin was commenced. In the setting of coryzal symptoms, a chest radiograph and nasopharyngeal swab revealed a left-sided pleural effusion and influenza B infection, respectively.