Pleural effusion

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Lungs

Pleural cavity

Respiratory system

A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the layers of the membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity.

Fluid in the chest; Pleural fluid

Your body produces pleural fluid in small amounts to lubricate the surfaces of the pleura, the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs. A pleural effusion is an abnormal collection of this fluid.

Two different types of effusions can develop:

• Transudative pleural effusions are often caused by abnormal lung pressure. Congestive heart failure is the most common cause.
• Exudative effusions form as a result of inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the pleura. This is often caused by lung disease. Examples include lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis and other lung infections, drug reactions, asbestosis, and sarcoidosis.

Review Date: 08/07/2006
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.