Pleural Effusion

Body Systems Respiratory System Pleural Effusion
Respiratory Clinical reference

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Light criteria differentiates exudate (infection/malignancy) from transudate (HF/cirrhosis). Thoracentesis for diagnosis and symptom relief.

pleural effusion hydrothorax exudative effusion transudative effusion
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What this condition is

Your pleura is a large, thin sheet of tissue that wraps around the outside of your lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity. Between the layers of the pleura is a very thin space. Normally it's filled with a small amount of fluid. The fluid helps the two layers of the pleura glide smoothly past each other as your lungs breathe air in and out.Disorders of the pleura include:Pleurisy - inflammation of the pleur…

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