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Pleural Effusion
Alternate Names : Fluid in the Chest, Pleural Fluid
Definition A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of the membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Pleural fluid is normally formed in small amounts to lubricate the surfaces of the "pleura," which is the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. A "pleural effusion" is an abnormal collection of this fluid.
Two different types of effusions can develop. Transudative pleural effusions are usually caused by a disorder in the normal pressure present in the lung. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of transudative effusion. Exudative effusions form as a result of inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the pleura, which is often caused by lung disease. Cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis and other lung infections, drug reactions, collagen-vascular diseases, asbestosis, and sarcoidosis are some diseases that can cause exudative pleural effusions.
The cause and type of pleural effusion can usually be determined by taking a sample of the fluid by thoracentesis (removing fluid via a needle inserted between the ribs into the chest cavity, using a local anesthetic).
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• Definition
• Pleural Effusion Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Pleural Effusion Symptoms & Signs
• Pleural Effusion Diagnosis & Tests
• Pleural Effusion Treatment
• Pleural Effusion Prognosis
• Pleural Effusion Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Asbestosis
• Cancer
• Heart Failure
• Pneumothorax
• Pulmonary Tuberculosis
• Sarcoidosis
Tests & Exams
• Chest X-Ray
• Pleural Fluid Analysis
• Thoracentesis
• Thoracic CT
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Chemotherapy
• Chest Pain
• Cough
• Hiccups
• Radiation Therapy
• Rapid Deep Breathing (Hyperventilation)
Review Date : 11/10/2002
Reviewed By : Darrell N. Kotton, M.D., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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