Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025

03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
945
An unusual case of explosive pleuritis without mediastinal shift
Biplab K Saha1, Hau Chieng2, Woon H Chong2
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Ozarks Medical Center, West Plains, MO, USA.
The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|March 11, 2022
Summary
Explosive pleuritis (EP) is a rapid worsening of pleural inflammation, often caused by streptococcal pneumonia. This condition involves swift development of complex pleural effusion or empyema, requiring prompt medical attention.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Explosive pleuritis (EP) is an under-recognized condition characterized by rapid progression of pleural inflammation.
- It typically occurs in the context of pneumonia, leading to significant pleural complications within 24 hours.
Observation:
- The study presents a case of EP, detailing its clinical, microbiologic, and radiologic features.
- Radiological findings include hemithorax opacification and potential mediastinal shift.
Findings:
- Streptococcal pneumonia is identified as the most frequent cause of explosive pleuritis.
- The condition involves the rapid formation of loculated complex pleural effusion or empyema and pleural adhesions.
Implications:
- Understanding EP is crucial for timely diagnosis and management of severe pleural infections.
- Further research and standardized definitions are needed to improve recognition and treatment of this critical condition.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
46
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
46
Pneumothorax-II
430
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:
430
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
306
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:
306
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
2.1K
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...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
2.1K
Pneumothorax-I
496
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
496
Pleura of the Lungs
3.5K
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...
3.5K

