Tuberc Respir Dis.  2014 May;76(5):199-210. 10.4046/trd.2014.76.5.199.

Diagnostic Tools of Pleural Effusion

• Na MJ

• KMID: 1842965
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2014.76.5.199

Abstract

Pleural effusion is not a rare disease in Korea. The diagnosis of pleural effusion is very difficult, even though the patients often complain of typical symptoms indicating of pleural diseases. Pleural effusion is characterized by the pleural cavity filled with transudative or exudative pleural fluids, and it is developed by various etiologies. The presence of pleural effusion can be confirmed by radiological studies including simple chest radiography, ultrasonography, or computed tomography. Identifying the causes of pleural effusions by pleural fluid analysis is essential for proper treatments. This review article provides information on the diagnostic approaches of pleural effusions and further suggested ways to confirm their various etiologies, by using the most recent journals for references.

Keyword

Pleural Effusion; Pleurisy; Diagnosis

MeSH Terms

Diagnosis
Humans
Korea
Pleural Cavity
Pleural Diseases
Pleural Effusion*
Pleurisy
Radiography
Rare Diseases
Thorax
Ultrasonography

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Algorithm for diagnostic approaches for patients suspected of pleural effusions. *Analysis of pleural fluid includes protein and lactate dehydrogenase of pleural fluids and serum, gross appearance, red blood cell, white blood cell with differential count, pH levels, glucose, amylase, cholesterol, triglyceride, cytology, acid-fast bacilli stain, TB culture, TB-polymerase chain reaction, Gram stain, routine culture, carcinoembryonic antigen and adenosine deaminase of pleural fluids. CHF: congestive heart failure; LC: liver cirrhosis; NT-proBNP: N-terminal pro-b-type natriuretic peptide; TB: tuberculosis; CT: computed tomography.

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