Pleural Effusion Due to Parasitic Infection
Pleural Effusion Due to Parasitic Infection Pleural effusions secondary to parasitic infections are uncommon in the United States, but in some countries, they account for a sizable percentage of all…
Pleural Effusion Secondary to Fungal Infections, Actinomycosis, and Nocardiosis
Pleural Effusion Secondary to Fungal Infections, Actinomycosis, and Nocardiosis In this chapter, pleural disease resulting from fungal infections is discussed. Although fungal diseases account for less than 1% of all…
Tuberculous Pleural Effusions
Tuberculous Pleural Effusions The diagnosis of tuberculous pleuritis should be considered in any patient with an exudative pleural effusion. A pleural effusion as an isolated manifestation of tuberculosis (TB) has…
Parapneumonic Effusions and Empyema
Parapneumonic Effusions and Empyema Despite the advent of potent antibiotics, bacterial pneumonia still results in significant morbidity and mortality in the American population. The annual incidence of bacterial pneumonia is…
Primary Tumors of the Pleura
Primary Tumors of the Pleura Malignant Mesotheliomas Solitary Fibrous Tumors Body Cavity Lymphoma Pyothorax-Associated Lymphoma MALIGNANT MESOTHELIOMAS Malignant mesotheliomas are thought to arise from the mesothelial cells that line the…
Pleural Effusions Related to Metastatic Malignancies
Pleural Effusions Related to Metastatic Malignancies INCIDENCE Malignant disease involving the pleura is the second leading cause of exudative pleural effusions after parapneumonic effusions. Because many parapneumonic effusions are small…
Transudative Pleural Effusions
Transudative Pleural Effusions Transudative pleural effusions occur when the systemic factors influencing the formation and absorption of pleural fluids are altered so that pleural fluid accumulates. In this chapter, the…
Approach to the Patient
Approach to the Patient Whenever a patient with an abnormal chest radiograph is evaluated, the possibility of a pleural effusion should be considered. Increased densities on the chest radiograph are…
Clinical Manifestations and Useful Tests
Clinical Manifestations and Useful Tests Normally, the pleural space contains only a few milliliters of pleural fluid. If fluid in the pleural space is detected on a radiologic examination, it…
Radiographic Examinations
Radiographic Examinations PLEURAL EFFUSIONS Typical Arrangement of Free Pleural Fluid Two main factors influence the distribution of free fluid in the pleural space. First, the pleural fluid accumulates in the…
