Clinician's Approach to Pleural Effusion

The abnormal build-up of fluid in the pleural space, which is the narrow area between the pleural layers encircling the lungs, is known as pleural effusion. Numerous etiologies can cause this syndrome, from malignancies like lung cancer and inflammatory conditions like lupus to heart failure and...

• Pleural effusion, the accumulation of abnormal fluid in the pleural space, can present with progressive shortness of breath and weight loss. Diagnosis requires a detailed history, clinical examination, and investigations. Initial clinical signs include reduced chest expansion, decreased tactile vocal fremitus, and dullness to percussion. Radiological investigations, like chest x-rays, can reveal opacification in the lower lung zone and possible meniscus signs, while ultrasound is crucial for confirming, quantifying, and characterizing the fluid.