This document summarizes pleural effusions, including their anatomy, mechanisms, etiologies, clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies. Pleural effusions can be caused by conditions that elevate pleural pressures or permeability. A diagnostic thoracentesis is usually needed to determine if an effusion is a transudate or exudate and identify the underlying cause. Management depends on the etiology but may include antibiotics, drainage, or anti-tuberculosis therapy.
1. Pleural Effusions Can-mao Xie Dept. of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine 1 st Affiliated Hospital of Sun-Yat Sen University Dr. Canmao xie
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7. Figure 1. Anatomy of the pleural space SC: Systemic capillaries PC: Pulmonary capillaries Dr. Canmao xie stomas stomas electronic microscopy
8. Figure 2. pleural fluids turnover PF enter the pleural space through parietal & visceral pleurae, And leave pleural space through lymphatics in parietal pleura Dr. Canmao xie
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10. Figure. Diagrammatic representation of the pressures involved in the formation and absorption of pleural fluid. Parietal Pleura Visceral Pleura Space Pleura Hydrostatic Pressure + 30 - 5 + 24 35 29 6 0 Net 29 29 + 34 + 5 +34 Oncotic Pressure Dr. Canmao xie
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18. A posteroanterior and lateral chest radiograph of pleural effusion blunting of the posterior costophrenic angle Dr. Canmao xie
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