Pleural Effusion

Collection of excess fluid in the pleural space. Either from systemic or local cause.
Pleural space normally contains 10-20 mL of serous fluid.

Systemic disorder that may lead to pleural effusion:

• heart failure
• renal or liver disease
• connective tissue disorder
• RA
• SLE

Local conditions that may lead to pleural effusion:

• pneumonia
• atelectasis
• TB
• lung cancer
• trauma

Manifestations:
diminished or absent breath sounds, dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing), pain (early sign), dull percussion

Treatments:
thoracentesis
treat cause