title: Pleural effusion. What you can learn from the results of a 'tap'.
abstract: Pleural effusion may result from many disorders, some of them serious. Fortunately, this body fluid is easily accessible, and knowledge of its characteristics is an important tool in diagnosing the underlying disease. The authors describe radiographic and laboratory tests to use in determining the source of the problem.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Shreveport 71130-3932.
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Stogner
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Campbell
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011677:Punctures