TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Diseases of the Pleura A1 - Jameson, J. Larry A1 - Fauci, Anthony S. A1 - Kasper, Dennis L. A1 - Hauser, Stephen L. A1 - Longo, Dan L. A1 - Loscalzo, Joseph PY - 2020 T2 - Harrison's Manual of Medicine, 20e AB - Pleural effusion is defined as excess fluid accumulation in the pleural space. Pleural effusions are typically detected by chest imaging (radiograph or CT); chest ultrasound can guide thoracentesis procedures. The two major classes of pleural effusions are transudates, which are caused by systemic influences on pleural fluid formation or resorption, and exudates, which are caused by local influences on pleural fluid formation and resorption. Common causes of transudative effusions are left ventricular heart failure, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome. Common causes of exudative effusions are bacterial pneumonia, malignancy, viral infection, and pulmonary embolism. A more comprehensive list of the etiologies of transudative and exudative pleural effusions is provided in Table 137-1. Additional diagnostic procedures are indicated with exudative effusions to define the cause of the local disease. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/04/19 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1167067369 ER -