Pleural effusion

Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space between the lungs and chest wall. It can compress the lung and arise from many underlying conditions.

Pleural space: The thin potential space between the lung’s visceral pleura and the chest wall’s parietal pleura. Effusion is fluid collecting in this normally narrow space.
Transudate: A low-protein fluid formed mainly by altered pressure gradients across otherwise relatively intact vessels. Transudative effusions often reflect systemic pressure or protein abnormalities.
Chest radiography: Imaging that uses X-rays to show structures within the chest, including lungs and pleural spaces. A chest radiograph can reveal fluid and estimate its distribution.
Congestive heart failure: A clinical syndrome in which the heart cannot pump or fill effectively enough to meet the body’s needs. Raised hydrostatic pressure commonly produces bilateral transudative effusions.
Pneumothorax: Accumulation of air in the pleural space that can partially or completely collapse a lung. It occupies the same space as an effusion but contains air rather than fluid.
Pleural fluid: A small volume of lubricating fluid between the pleural membranes that reduces friction during breathing. Effusion occurs when fluid volume exceeds normal production and drainage.
Exudate: A protein- and cell-rich fluid produced by inflammation, infection, malignancy, or impaired lymphatic drainage. Exudative effusions commonly arise from local pleural or lung disease.
Thoracic ultrasonography: Ultrasound imaging of the chest used to assess pleural fluid, lung surfaces, and nearby structures. Ultrasound detects small collections and guides safer fluid sampling.
Parapneumonic effusion: Pleural fluid accumulation associated with pneumonia or another pulmonary infection. Infection can inflame the pleura and produce an uncomplicated or complicated effusion.
Hemothorax: Accumulation of blood in the pleural space, usually following trauma or a vascular complication. It is a distinct, urgent pleural collection rather than ordinary effusion.

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