Pleural effusion: Difference between revisions

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Accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the pleura outside the lungs. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and facilitate smooth respiratory movements.

Pathophysiology

Pleural effusion occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of pleural fluid. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleural space to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura. However, various conditions can lead to an increase in fluid production or a decrease in fluid absorption, resulting in pleural effusion.

Causes

Pleural effusion can be caused by a variety of conditions, which are generally classified into transudative and exudative effusions based on the protein content and other characteristics of the fluid.

Transudative Effusions

Transudative effusions are usually caused by systemic factors that alter the pressure in the pleural space, such as:

Exudative Effusions

Exudative effusions are typically due to local factors affecting the pleura, such as:

Symptoms

The symptoms of pleural effusion can vary depending on the underlying cause and the amount of fluid present. Common symptoms include:

Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Chest pain
Cough
Reduced breath sounds on the affected side

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pleural effusion typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. These may include:

Chest X-ray
Ultrasound
CT scan
Thoracentesis (to analyze pleural fluid)

Treatment

Treatment of pleural effusion depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Options may include:

Therapeutic thoracentesis to remove excess fluid
Treatment of the underlying condition (e.g., antibiotics for pneumonia)
Pleurodesis for recurrent effusions
Surgical interventions in certain cases

Prognosis

The prognosis of pleural effusion varies widely depending on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health. Some effusions resolve with treatment of the underlying condition, while others may require ongoing management.

Related Pages

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-A '''pleural effusion''' refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, the potential space between the lungs and the chest wall that is lined by the pleura. This condition can result from a variety of diseases and often leads to significant discomfort and difficulty breathing due to the compression of the lungs.<ref name="Light">{{Cite journal|last=Light|first=Richard W.|date=2002|title=Pleural Effusions|journal=The Medical Clinics of North America|volume=86|issue=4|pages=1055-1070|doi=10.1016/S0025-7125(02)00029-5}}</ref>
+{{Short description|Accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity}}
-[[File:Diagram showing a build up of fluid in the lining of the lungs (pleural effusion) CRUK 054.svg|Diagram showing a build up of fluid in the lining of the lungs (pleural effusion)|thumb]]
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-==Causes and Pathophysiology==
-Pleural effusions can result from various conditions that disrupt the balance of fluid production and absorption in the pleural space. Common causes include heart failure, pneumonia, malignancies, pulmonary embolism, and kidney or liver disease.
-[[File:Pleural effusion-Metastatic breast carcinoma Case 166 (5477628658).jpg|thumb|Pleural effusion-Metastatic breast carcinoma Case 166 (5477628658)]]
-In these conditions, either the production of pleural fluid is increased (as in inflammation or infection) or the absorption of this fluid is compromised (as in heart failure or kidney disease). The result is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can compress the lung and limit its expansion.<ref name="Porcel">{{Cite journal|last=Porcel|first=Jose M.|date=2013|title=Pleural Effusions from Congestive Heart Failure|journal=Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine|volume=34|issue=6|pages=772-780|doi=10.1055/s-0033-1358550}}</ref>
-==Symptoms and Signs==
+==Pleural Effusion==
-Patients with a pleural effusion may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain. On physical examination, findings may include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, and decreased movement of the chest on the affected side.
+'''Pleural effusion''' is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid between the layers of the [[pleura]] outside the [[lungs]]. The pleura are thin membranes that line the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity and facilitate smooth respiratory movements.
+==Pathophysiology==
+Pleural effusion occurs when there is an imbalance between the production and absorption of pleural fluid. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleural space to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura. However, various conditions can lead to an increase in fluid production or a decrease in fluid absorption, resulting in pleural effusion.
+==Causes==
+Pleural effusion can be caused by a variety of conditions, which are generally classified into transudative and exudative effusions based on the [[protein]] content and other characteristics of the fluid.
+===Transudative Effusions===
+Transudative effusions are usually caused by systemic factors that alter the pressure in the pleural space, such as:
+* [[Congestive heart failure]]
+* [[Cirrhosis]]
+* [[Nephrotic syndrome]]
+* [[Hypoalbuminemia]]
+===Exudative Effusions===
+Exudative effusions are typically due to local factors affecting the pleura, such as:
+* [[Pneumonia]]
+* [[Malignancy]]
+* [[Pulmonary embolism]]
+* [[Tuberculosis]]
+* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]]
+==Symptoms==
+The symptoms of pleural effusion can vary depending on the underlying cause and the amount of fluid present. Common symptoms include:
+* [[Dyspnea]] (shortness of breath)
+* [[Chest pain]]
+* [[Cough]]
+* Reduced breath sounds on the affected side
 ==Diagnosis==
-The diagnosis of a pleural effusion often starts with imaging studies, such as a [[chest X-ray]] or [[ultrasound]]. If necessary, a sample of the pleural fluid can be obtained through a procedure known as thoracentesis for further analysis, which can help determine the underlying cause.
+The diagnosis of pleural effusion typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. These may include:
+* [[Chest X-ray]]
+* [[Ultrasound]]
+* [[CT scan]]
+* [[Thoracentesis]] (to analyze pleural fluid)
 ==Treatment==
-Treatment of a pleural effusion focuses on addressing the underlying cause and relieving symptoms. This may involve medications, therapeutic thoracentesis to remove the fluid, or procedures such as a pleurodesis or placement of a pleural catheter for recurrent effusions.<ref name="Light"/>
+Treatment of pleural effusion depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Options may include:
+* Therapeutic thoracentesis to remove excess fluid
-== Summary ==
+* Treatment of the underlying condition (e.g., antibiotics for pneumonia)
-Pleural effusion is a common medical condition that can result from a variety of diseases and often leads to significant discomfort and difficulty breathing. Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to improve patient outcomes.
+* Pleurodesis for recurrent effusions
+* Surgical interventions in certain cases
-==See Also==
+==Prognosis==
+The prognosis of pleural effusion varies widely depending on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health. Some effusions resolve with treatment of the underlying condition, while others may require ongoing management.
-* [[Heart failure]]
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Pleura]]
+* [[Respiratory system]]
+* [[Pulmonary embolism]]
 * [[Pneumonia]]
-* [[Lung cancer]]
-==References==
-<references/>
 [[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
 [[Category:Pulmonology]]
-{{stub}}