title: Pleural effusions: meeting the diagnostic challenge.
abstract: Etiologies of complicated pleural effusions include infections, malignancies, and rheumatologic disorders. Appropriate diagnostic studies are determined by specific clinical situations. Possible causes of benign pleural effusions should be considered first. Commonly overlooked diagnoses include chronic effusions initially due to transudative processes, benign asbestos effusions, and traumatic effusions.
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Andrews
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000681:Amylases / Q000097:blood; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D011018:Pneumonia, Pneumococcal / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000681:Amylases; D005947:Glucose