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Diabetes

WHAT IS A PLEURAL EFFUSION?
The lungs are contained within the thoracic cavity, the upper part of the trunk within the rib cage. They are completely lined by a thin inner membrane called the visceral pleura. It is continuous with another thin outer membrane called the parietal pleura which also invests the lungs, but attaches to the chest wall. Normally, the pleural space (the area between the two pleura) contains no air and only a thin film of lubricating fluid. The primary function of the pleura is to allow the chest wall and lungs to act in harmony during inspiration and expiration.

A pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF A PLEURAL EFFUSION?
Finding a pleural effusion is important because it is associated with an underlying disease process. The diagnosis and treatment of a pleural effusion is needed in order to successfully alleviate the patient’s symptoms. Furthermore, it may lead to better therapy for the primary problem. An untreated pleural effusion can allow large amounts of fluid to accumulate potentially leading to compression and collapse of the lung.

WHAT POPULATION IS AFFECTED?
Generally, the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space is a complication of an underlying disease process. It is important to note that people with the medical problems listed below all have the potential to develop a pleural effusion, but do not always do so.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON CAUSES OF A PLEURAL EFFUSION?
CARDIAC: congestive heart failure
LIVER: liver failure
KIDNEY: nephrotic syndrome, peritoneal dialysis, uremia
LUNG: infections, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary infarction, cancer (primary lung and metastatic), asbestosis
VASCULAR: collagen vascular disease (systemic lupus erythematosis, rheumatoid arthritis)
TRAUMA: hemothorax, chylothorax, rupture of the esophagus
MISC: pancreatitis, post - abdominal or coronary artery bypass graft
surgery, and drug reactions

WHY DOES FLUID...