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A pleural effusion is accumulation of excessive fluid in the pleural space, the potential space that surrounds each lung.Under normal conditions, pleural fluid is secreted by the parietal pleural capillaries at a rate of 0.6 millilitre per kilogram weight per hour, and is cleared by lymphatic absorption leaving behind only 5–15 millilitres of fluid, which helps to maintain a functional ...
CT scans can more readily differentiate whether pleural thickening is due to extra fat deposition or true pleural thickening than X-rays. [3] If a fibrothorax is severe, the thickening may restrict the lung on the affected side causing a loss of lung volume. [7] Additionally, the mediastinum may be physically shifted toward the affected side. [3]
Pleural plaques (see section below) Less common: Extensive confluent thickening, sometimes with pleural effusion; After pleurodesis: Diffuse; Non-progressive; After hemothorax: Usually basolateral distribution; May have calcification; Non-progressive; After drugs, such as methysergide or bromocriptine: Diffuse; Possible interstitial pulmonary ...
The location of the lesions is mostly in the upper lobes of the lungs, usually in a lymphatic distribution. Thickening of the pleura and interlobular septal is also evident. In addition, pleural/pericardial effusions and mediastinal fat infiltration is appreciated. Definitive diagnosis is achieved through tissue biopsy. [1]
Pleural effusions may also develop following the accumulation of other fluids within the pleural cavity; if the fluid is blood it is known as hemothorax (as in major chest injuries), if the fluid is pus it is known as pyothorax (resulting from chest infections), and if the fluid is lymph it is known as chylothorax (resulting from rupture of the ...
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 ...
Pleural empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural cavity caused by microorganisms, usually bacteria. [1] Often it happens in the context of a pneumonia, injury, or chest surgery. [1] It is one of the various kinds of pleural effusion.
Blunting can be related to a small amount of fluid in the pleural space or to pleural thickening and, by itself, is a non-specific finding (except in children, when even minor blunting may suggest active TB). In contrast a large pleural effusion, or the presence of a significant amount of fluid in the pleural space, may be a sign of active TB ...