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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:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis01:26

Endoscopic 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...
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura 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...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pulmonary Function Tests01:25

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
03:22

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

Published on: November 10, 2023

Getting the most from pleural fluid analysis.

Steven A Sahn1

  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. sahnsa@musc.edu

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|November 9, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Evaluating pleural effusion requires a comprehensive approach. Combining clinical history, physical exam, blood tests, and imaging before pleural fluid analysis (PFA) aids diagnosis.

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

  • Pulmonology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

  • Pleural effusions are linked to numerous pulmonary and non-pulmonary diseases.
  • Pleural fluid analysis (PFA) alone seldom yields a definitive diagnosis.
  • Effective evaluation narrows the differential diagnosis and etiology of fluid collections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the rationale for evaluating patients with pleural effusion.
  • To guide clinicians in narrowing pre-thoracentesis diagnoses.
  • To enhance diagnostic accuracy through integrated clinical assessment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentation, chest imaging, and natural course of pleural effusions.
  • Emphasis on detailed history, physical examination, and blood tests prior to thoracentesis.
  • Analysis of pleural fluid characteristics to differentiate effusion types.

Main Results:

  • Transudative effusions indicate hydrostatic/oncotic pressure imbalances with a limited differential diagnosis.
  • Exudative effusions, resulting from infection, malignancy, or inflammation, present greater diagnostic challenges.
  • Specific pleural fluid markers (LDH, lymphocyte proportion, pH, eosinophilia) help narrow the differential for exudates.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive pre-thoracentesis evaluation significantly increases the likelihood of establishing a firm clinical diagnosis.
  • Integrating clinical data with PFA is crucial for managing pleural effusions effectively.
  • Understanding effusion characteristics aids in differentiating transudates from exudates and guiding further investigation.