[Physiopathology of pleural diseases]

The pleura is characterized by its great capacity to drain liquids and particles from the pleural space and a strong inflammatory potential. Mesothelial cells react to various endogenous or exogenous agents, which are absent from the pleural space in normal conditions: air, blood, organic and inorganic particles. The pleura is a target organ, for specific lesions (pleural plaques, mesothelioma) induced by mineral fibers and for non-specific inflammatory lesions from multiple causes (drugs, systemic diseases, infections). The risk for diseases of the pleura appears disproportionate compared with its physiological role.