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Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity between the lining of the lungs and the thoracic cavity (i.e., the visceral and parietal pleurae). The pleural fluid is called a transudate if it permeates (transudes) into the pleural cavity through the walls of intact pulmonary vessels. It is called an exudate if it escapes (exudes) into the pleural cavity through lesions in blood and lymph vessels, e.g., as caused by inflammation and tumors. The accumulation of transudate is typically due to increased hydrostatic pressure (e.g., in congestive heart failure) and/or decreased oncotic pressure (e.g., in cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome). Since transudate is a filtrate, it is typically a clear fluid with a low protein and cell content. By contrast, the lesions responsible for the outflow of exudate allow larger molecules and even solid matter to pass into the pleural cavity. For this reason, exudate is a cloudy fluid with a high protein and cell content. The effusion follows gravity and, unless the patient is bedridden, collects in the lower margins of the pleural cavity. Percussion over the area of effusion generates a dull tone, and breath sounds are diminished or completely absent on auscultation. Chest xray and ultrasound are usually performed as firstline tests to diagnose pleural effusion, but chest CT is sometimes required (e.g., for very small effusions). Thoracentesis with pleural fluid analysis is required to establish the underlying diagnosis in most pleural effusions and can also serve a therapeutic role. Treatment should focus on correcting the underlying condition.

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