Pleural effusions

pathophysiology and diagnosis

Abstract

The pleura is the serous membrane that covers the lungs and the thoracic cavity. Pleural effusions (liquid accumulation between visceral and parietal pleura) are the most frequent clinical manifestation of primary or secondary pleural disease. Effusions occuring from the secondary pleural involvement because of thoracic diseases or systemic diseases are much more frequent than primary disease of the pleura and its diagnostic approach is part of the routine faced by the pneumologist, and other medical specialties. The present article is a review of the current concepts on how to approach pleural effusions with emphasis on the clinical-radiological diagnosis and invasive technics. Physiological and pathophysiological concepts are also presented.