Pleural Effusion

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Overview


Fluid that accumulates in the pleural space because of trauma or disease is called pleural effusion This condition may result from heart failure, cancer, pulmonary embolism, or inflammation. If blood is in the accumulating fluid, the condition is called "hemothorax"; if pus is present, it is called "empyema"; if air enters the space, it is called "pneumothorax"; and if there is chyle (milky fluid consisting of lymph and fat), it is called "chylothorax." There are two types of pleu...Read the full article