An accumulation of fluid between the layers of the pleura, making breathing difficult. Pleural effusion may be caused by pneumonia, tuberculosis, heart failure, cancer, pulmonary embolism, or mesothelioma.
Diagnosis is confirmed by chest X-ray.
Some fluid may be removed with a needle and syringe and examined to find the cause.
A biopsy of the pleura may also be needed.
The underlying cause is treated and fluid may be drained off to relieve breathing problems.
The normally restricted space between the parietal and the visceral PLEURA, which slide over one another as the individual breathes in and out. If gas or ?uid are introduced as a result of injury or infection, the pleural surfaces are separated and the pleural space increases in volume. This usually causes breathing diffculties.... pleural cavity
any one of a variety of conditions involving the *pleura, but not the lungs (see asbestosis), in subjects exposed to asbestos. These include the formation of pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, and pleural effusions (see oedema).... asbestos-related pleural disease
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