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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

Published on: November 10, 2023

Viral diseases affecting the pleura.

Jennings Nestor¹, Terrill Huggins, Carlos Kummerfeldt

¹Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 812 - CSB, MSC 630, Charleston, SC 29425, United States.

Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology

|August 7, 2013

Summary

Numerous viruses can infect the pleura, leading to conditions like pleural effusions and lesions. Advanced diagnostic tools like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may improve understanding of these viral pleural diseases.

Keywords:

Effusion Malignancy PAL PEL Pleura Virus

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Published on: February 23, 2014

Area of Science:

Medical Virology
Pulmonology
Thoracic Medicine

Background:

Viral infections impact the human body, causing diverse disease states.
Pulmonary parenchymal infections are well-documented.
Literature on viral infections affecting the pleura remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

To conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature on viral-induced pleural diseases.
To consolidate current knowledge on the presentation and diagnosis of these conditions.

Main Methods:

A systematic Medline search was conducted.
Included research and review articles focusing on viral infections impacting the pleura.
Analyzed findings related to pleural effusions, masses, thickening, and nodularity.

Main Results:

Multiple viruses are identified as causative agents of pleural diseases.
Pleural effusions and intrapleural lesions are the most frequent clinical manifestations.
The study highlights the prevalence of viral involvement in pleural pathology.

Conclusions:

Viral infections represent a significant cause of pleural disease.
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) shows promise for enhanced diagnosis and future research in viral pleural infections.