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A pleural effusion appears as an area of whiteness on a standard posteroanterior chest X-ray. [14] Normally, the space between the visceral pleura and the parietal pleura cannot be seen. A pleural effusion infiltrates the space between these layers. Because the pleural effusion has a density similar to water, it can be seen on radiographs.
Chest x-ray is the first test done to confirm an excess of pleural fluid. The lateral upright chest x-ray should be examined when a pleural effusion is suspected. In an upright x-ray, 75 mL of fluid blunts the posterior costophrenic angle. Blunting of the lateral costophrenic angle usually requires about 175 mL but may take as much as 500 mL.
Fibrothorax. Fibrothorax is a medical condition characterised by severe scarring (fibrosis) and fusion of the layers of the pleural space surrounding the lungs resulting in decreased movement of the lung and ribcage. [1] The main symptom of fibrothorax is shortness of breath. There also may be recurrent fluid collections surrounding the lungs ...
The pleural cavity, or pleural space (or sometimes intrapleural space), is the potential space between the pleurae of the pleural sac that surrounds each lung. A small amount of serous pleural fluid is maintained in the pleural cavity to enable lubrication between the membranes, and also to create a pressure gradient. [1]
A pleural effusion: as seen on chest X-ray. The A arrow indicates fluid layering in the right chest. The B arrow indicates the width of the right lung. The volume of the lung is reduced because of the collection of fluid around the lung. In pneumonia, a collection of fluid may form in the space that surrounds the lung. [139]
A parapneumonic effusion (circled), due to a left lower lobe pneumonia. A parapneumonic effusion is a type of pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity) that arises as a result of a pneumonia, lung abscess, or bronchiectasis. [1] There are three types of parapneumonic effusions: uncomplicated effusions, complicated effusions ...
The function of the lungs can also be affected by compression from fluid in the pleural cavity pleural effusion, or other substances such as air (pneumothorax), blood , or rarer causes. These may be investigated using a chest X-ray or CT scan , and may require the insertion of a surgical drain until the underlying cause is identified and treated.
Pleural effusion obliterates the pleural vacuum and can collapse the lung (due to hydrostatic pressure), impairing ventilation and leading to type 2 respiratory failure. The condition can be treated by mechanically removing the fluid via thoracocentesis (also known as a "pleural tap") with a pigtail catheter, a chest tube, or a thoracoscopic ...