Fig. 7.1 A metallic (a) and single-use (b) pleural needle. The pleural trocar, 2–3 mm in diameter, 100 mm in length, with tap. A pointed obturator to penetrate the skin…

Fig. 10.1 Trapped lung (left lower lobe in this case – star) is not a contraindication to medical thoracoscopy in case with high clinical suspicion of neoplastic disease. In this…

Fig. 16.1 A typical empyematous collection Exploration of the pleural cavity to identify fibrin membranes (Fig. 16.2) and to detect loculations (Fig. 16.3), as well as possible neoplastic nodules, or…

Parameter Cutoff Cutoff Absolute values PF/Sa – Ratio Transudate↓ Transudate↓ Exudate↑ Exudate↑ Protein 3 g/dl 0.5 Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) 200 IU/dlb 0.6 Cholesterol 60 mg/dlc   Light 1972; Heffner et…

Fig. 4.1 A schematic drawing of the pleuropulmonary compartments involved in the turnover of fluid within the parietal extrapleural interstitium, the pleural space and the pulmonary interstitium. The red arrows…

Fig. 3.1 The two layers of the pleura Fig. 3.2 The transition between the two layers at the level of the pulmonary hilum Dissection of this ligament is usually one…

Fig. 14.1 Pleural lymphangitis in a chylothorax. The parietal pleura is covered with a network of ectatic lymphatic vessels (Courtesy C Boutin, Marseille, France) The presence of lymphangitis (Figs. 14.2,…

Fig. 20.1 The Memoir of Francisco Romero on the treatment of thoracic effusions as presented in 1815 20.3 Pericardial Effusions The pericardium has many physiological functions which mainly prevent overdistension…