Abstract
The accumulation of fluid in the pleural space is a common manifestation of a wide range of disease. This review provides a structured approach to the investigation of the patient with a pleural effusion. This should allow an accurate diagnosis to be made with the minimum number of invasive and time-consuming investigations.
MeSH terms
-
Autoimmune Diseases / complications
-
Chylothorax / complications
-
Connective Tissue Diseases / complications
-
Echinococcosis / complications
-
Glucose / metabolism
-
Humans
-
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
-
Mesothelioma / complications
-
Neoplasms / complications
-
Pleural Effusion / etiology*
-
Pleural Effusion / metabolism
-
Pleural Effusion / therapy
-
Tuberculosis / complications