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Related Concept Videos

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural 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,...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management01:28

Pleural 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:
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management01:27

Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a thrombus, amniotic fluid, tumor tissue, fat, or air embolus blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. Effective nursing management and patient education are crucial for improving outcomes and preventing recurrence.Nursing management starts with obtaining a comprehensive patient history, particularly noting any history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Assess for clinical manifestations, including dyspnea, chest pain, crackles, heart murmurs, and signs of right-sided...

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Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
09:17

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition

Published on: March 3, 2023

Pleural effusions due to pulmonary embolism.

José M Porcel1, Richard W Light

  • 1Pleural Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.

Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|June 4, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Pleural effusions in pulmonary embolism are typically small, unilateral, and exudative. Delayed diagnosis can lead to loculated effusions, impacting patient outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Radiology
  • Thoracic Medicine

Background:

  • Pleural effusions are a known complication of pulmonary embolism.
  • Understanding their characteristics is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the radiographic and fluid characteristics of pleural effusions in pulmonary embolism.
  • To synthesize recent findings on the prevalence and nature of these effusions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent data and case series on pulmonary embolism and pleural effusions.
  • Analysis of imaging findings (chest radiograph, computed tomography, ultrasonography) and fluid analysis.

Main Results:

  • Pleural effusions occur in one-third of pulmonary embolism patients by radiography, and half by CT/ultrasonography.
  • Effusions are usually small (≤1/3 hemithorax), unilateral (>75%), and exudative.
  • Loculations are seen in ~20% of effusions, particularly with delayed diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Pleural effusions in pulmonary embolism are generally small, unilateral, and exudative.
  • Loculation risk increases with delayed pulmonary embolism diagnosis.