Pleural effusion overview
|
Pleural effusion Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Pleural effusion overview On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pleural effusion overview |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pleural effusion overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Template:GCC
Overview
Pleural effusion is defined as the presence of excessive fluid in the pleural cavity resulting from transudation or exudation from the pleural surfaces. In normal conditions, the pleural space contains a small amount of fluid (≈0.3 mL·kg-1) maintained by a complex interplay of hydrostatic pressures and lymphatic drainage, which allows for steady liquid and protein turnover.[1] Pathological processes may lead to the development of pleural effusions by causing disequilibrium between the rates of pleural fluid formation, pleural permeability and pleural fluid absorption. Pleural effusion may be secondary to pleural processes, pulmonary disorders, systemic conditions, and medications. A systematic approach with a comprehensive clinical history and physical examination is required for establishing the etiology.
Types of Fluids
Four types of fluids can accumulate in the pleural space:
- Serous fluid (hydrothorax)
- Blood (hemothorax)
- Chyle (chylothorax)
- Pus (pyothorax or empyema)