Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Contarini's syndrome: bilateral pleural effusion, each side from different causes.
José M Porcel1, M Carmen Civit, Silvia Bielsa
1Pleural Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital, Institut de Reçerca Biomèdica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain. jporcelp@yahoo.es
Journal of Hospital Medicine
|November 2, 2011
Summary
Contarini's syndrome describes bilateral pleural effusions with distinct causes on each side. A common cause involves pneumonia leading to heart failure, resulting in fluid buildup on both sides.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Bilateral pleural effusions typically share a single etiology, such as heart failure or malignancy.
- Contarini's syndrome is a rare condition characterized by bilateral pleural effusions with differing causes for each side.
- Understanding this syndrome is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment of complex pleural fluid accumulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define and illustrate Contarini's syndrome, a condition of bilateral pleural effusions with distinct etiologies.
- To present new cases and review existing literature on this rare syndrome.
- To highlight a frequent etiological combination: parapneumonic effusion triggering heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Literature search for documented cases of Contarini's syndrome.
- Clinical case review from the authors' center.
- Analysis of etiological patterns and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- A total of 12 cases were identified, including 5 new descriptions from the authors' center.
- A common presentation involves a parapneumonic effusion on one side, leading to heart failure and a contralateral transudative effusion.
- This combination underscores the complex interplay between pulmonary and cardiac conditions in pleural fluid dynamics.
Conclusions:
- Contarini's syndrome, though rare, presents a unique diagnostic challenge in bilateral pleural effusions.
- The identified frequent combination of parapneumonic effusion and heart failure provides insight into potential underlying mechanisms.
- Further recognition and study of this syndrome are warranted for improved patient management.
Related Concept Videos
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:
01:25Pleural 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,...
01:30Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
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:
01:24Flail Chest-I
Overview of Flail Chest
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...
Flail chest is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the fracture of three or more adjacent ribs in multiple places. It is most commonly caused by direct impacts and trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or injuries from a steering wheel impact. It can also occur due to falls in elderly individuals with osteoporosis, or assaults involving sharp objects.
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of flail chest is complex, involving fractures of...