Pleural Effusion

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Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually accomplished with a simple chest x-ray, although further radiographic tests may be needed to confirm the presence of pleural fluid. Ultrasound and CT scan (computed tomography) of the chest are often used to confirm pleural effusion. A special chest x-ray technique, a lateral decubitus film, can confirm the presence of fluid and enable the physican to make an estimate of the amount. This x-ray technique is performed with the patient lying on his or her side, a...Read the full article