Highlights & Basics
- Pleural effusion predominantly presents with breathlessness, but cough and pleuritic chest pain can be a feature. The etiology of the pleural effusion determines other signs and symptoms.
- Diagnosis of pleural effusion involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies (chest x-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography) pleural fluid analysis (biochemistry, cytology, culture), and establishing the nature of the effusion and the underlying cause.
- The patient's history and physical exam should guide workup. Early diagnosis is important to minimize invasive interventions and to identify serious underlying conditions, such as malignancy.
- Treatment is based on the nature of the effusion and underlying condition.
- Therapeutic thoracentesis with nearly complete removal of the fluid collection alleviates dyspnea and cough in most circumstances.
Quick Reference
History & Exam
Key Factors
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Definition
Epidemiology
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Citations
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