title: Pleural effusion: diagnosis and management.
abstract: Pleural effusion is defined as an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space in excess of 15 to 20 mls. The aetiology for the development of a pleural effusion includes changes in hydrostatic or colloid-osmotic pressure of pleural and pulmonary capillaries, changes in pleural vascular permeability and impaired lymphatic drainage. About 5% to 12% of patients referred for emergency medical treatment are diagnosed with a pleural effusion, making it a common finding on hospital admission. The excess of pleural fluid may be triggered by pleuro-pulmonary infection, malignancy, or conditions of cardiac, renal or hepatic origin. Subsequent management is guided mainly by aetiology and to a lesser degree by symptoms. This paper provides a review of pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of the condition and addresses specific issues regarding the perioperative care of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Upper GI Surgery, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ahmad
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krishnadas
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Froeschle
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018700:Pleurodesis; D013906:Thoracoscopy