Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
05:50
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Repeated thoracentesis: an important risk factor for eosinophilic pleural effusion?
M A Martínez García1, E Cases Viedma, M Perpiñá Tordera
1Pneumology Service, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
Respiration; International Review of Thoracic Diseases
|February 14, 2003
Summary
Repeated thoracenteses (RTs) do not appear to cause eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE). This study found no link between the number or timing of RTs and increased eosinophils in pleural fluid.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Medicine
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Eosinophilic pleural effusion (EPE) is a rare condition.
- Repeated thoracenteses (RTs) are often suspected as a cause of EPE.
- Limited evidence supports the link between RTs and EPE.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between RTs and eosinophil counts in pleural fluid.
- To determine if the number, type, or timing of RTs influences EPE development.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 273 pleural fluid samples from 120 patients (1992-2000).
- Analysis included patient data, number/type of thoracenteses, time between procedures, and pleural fluid/blood parameters.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation found between the number of RTs and eosinophil percentage in pleural fluid.
- This lack of association persisted even with pleural biopsies or varying time intervals between procedures.
- RTs were not identified as a significant risk factor for EPE.
Conclusions:
- Repeated thoracenteses are unlikely to be a prevalent cause of pleural eosinophilia.
- The study challenges the common assumption linking RTs to EPE development.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Endoscopy is a non-surgical medical technique used to examine a person's internal organs and vessels. This lesson will focus on two types of endoscopic studies: bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy.
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.