Mechanisms of pleural liquid formation in pleural inflammation

Inflammatory processes are a major cause of pleural effusion. Besides being important clinically for diagnosis and treatment of patients with pleural effusions, studies of inflammatory pleural effusions shed light on the mechanisms of pleural liquid formation and also on general mechanisms of inflammation. In this current review, we have chosen papers within the past year that highlight aspects of clinical and research interest concerning inflammation and inflammatory pleural effusions. In some studies, investigators have investigated basic mechanisms of the roles of cytokines and adhesion molecules in inflammatory cell recruitment and leakage of liquid. In other studies, clinicians have attempted to measure inflammatory markers as a means of diagnosis. In light of these studies, we discuss the current understanding of inflammatory pleural effusions and suggest future avenues for exploration.