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Published on: March 3, 2023
Bilateral pleural effusions in congestive heart failure.
Khurram Ahmad1, Malay S Gandhi, W Chapman Smith
1Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA.
Congestive heart failure (CHF) causes fluid buildup, leading to pleural effusion. This case highlights the pathophysiology of fluid accumulation in CHF patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by a salt-avid state, leading to fluid volume expansion.
- This fluid accumulation can manifest as pleural effusion, a buildup of fluid in the space surrounding the lungs.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old male patient with dilated cardiomyopathy was hospitalized due to CHF.
- The patient presented with bilateral pleural effusions, more pronounced on the right side (right hydrothorax).
Findings:
- The case illustrates the clinical presentation of pleural effusion secondary to CHF.
- It provides an opportunity to review the pathophysiology of pleural fluid formation in CHF.
Implications:
- Understanding the mechanisms of pleural effusion in CHF is crucial for patient management.
- This review reinforces the consensus on pleural fluid formation in CHF, aiding clinical practice.
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