Abstract

FORERO-SALDARRIAGA, Santiago. Diagnostic pitfalls of the adult patient with pleural effusion: narrative review. Iatreia [online]. 2020, vol.33, n.4, pp.348-359. ISSN 0121-0793.  https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iatreia.62.

Pleural effusion is defined as the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space that is caused by its increased production or decreased drainage. It is a frequent entity in clinical practice, due to multiple causes, which vary according to local epidemiology, personal history and clinical context. The analysis of pleural fluid will be decisive when indicated, as well as another diagnostic tool taking into account the clinical presentation, emphasizing comorbid conditions and infections, including tuberculosis and pneumonia; quite frequent entities in our environment. The treatment is aimed at the underlying cause, although up to 25% of patients do not identify an obvious cause.

Keywords : Diagnosis; Pleura; Pleural Cavity; Pleural Effusion; Thoracentesis.

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