Pleural Effusion: Shedding Light on Pleural Disease Beyond Infection and Malignancy

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Non-malignant pleural effusions (NMPEs) represent a frequent pleural disease.
• NMPEs originate from diverse non-malignant, non-infectious conditions, notably cardiac, renal, and hepatic dysfunction.
• A significant gap exists in the literature concerning NMPEs despite their prevalence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a comprehensive and updated overview of NMPE.
• To detail the etiologies, diagnostic approaches, and management options for NMPE.

Main Methods:

• A literature review synthesizing findings from relevant published studies on NMPE.
• Focus on NMPE presentation, diagnostic methods (imaging, pleural fluid analysis), and management strategies.
• Analysis of selected studies to provide a summary of current practices.

Main Results:

• NMPEs encompass various etiologies, often linked to specific organ dysfunction.
• Diagnosis relies on imaging, pleural fluid analysis, and clinical correlation.
• Treatment is contingent on the underlying cause, with medical management being primary; interventions like thoracentesis, indwelling pleural catheters, or pleurodesis may be required.

Conclusions:

• NMPE is a heterogeneous condition with broad prevalence and significant clinical impact.
• Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges arise from patient complexity and evolving treatment options.