Pleural effusion: Etiology, Pathology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Follow On Instagram:- Channel Memberships : Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity between the lining of the lungs and the thoracic cavity (i.e., the visceral and parietal pleurae). The pleural fluid is called a transudate if it permeates (transudes) into the pleural cavity through the walls of intact pulmonary vessels. It is called an exudate if it escapes (exudes) into the pleural cavity through lesions in blood and lymph vessels, e.g., as caused by inflammation and tumors. The accumulation of transudate is typically due to increased hydrostatic pressure (e.g., in congestive heart failure) and/or decreased oncotic pressure (e.g., in cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome). Since transudate is a filtrate, it is typically a clear fluid with a low protein and cell content. By contrast, the lesions responsible for the outflow of exudate allow larger molecules and even solid matter to p