title: [Fluid in the pleural space--from problem to therapy].
abstract: Fluid may appear into the pleural space as a consequence of many diseases or mechanisms. If the patient's clinical picture does not explain the cause of pleural fluid accumulation, it is worthwhile to examine the fluid collected by pleural aspiration. The first question is: is the fluid transsudate or exudate? Secondly, if the fluid is exudate, does it result from malignant or benign disease? Pleural fluid samples are of limited diagnostic value, but provide good indication of the patient's disease. In some cases, however, it is necessary to adopt more invasive diagnostic measures.
authors: HYKS:n keuhkosairauksien klinikka, PL 340, 00029 HUS.
authors: Henrik
authors: H
authors: Riska
authors: Seppo
authors: S
authors: Saarelainen
mesh_terms: D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D006801:Humans; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors