Advances in the investigation and treatment of pleural effusions

Pleural effusions present a challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. They are a commonly presenting problem of a wide range of local and systemic potentially life threatening diseases and cause significant breathlessness. Significant advances have been made in the last 5 years in the diagnostic pathway and management options. This article reviews recent developments in the investigation of pleural effusions, particularly in pleural fluid analysis, biomarkers, imaging and pleural biopsy, and in the treatment of pleural infection and both malignant and benign effusions, including the use of indwelling pleural catheters. Although significant recent advances have been made in the management of pleural effusions, there the need still remains for further research if we are to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by pleural effusions.