Thelansis

  Pleural effusion refers to the buildup of fluid within the pleural cavity, the space between the pleura's outer (parietal) and inner (visceral) layers. It can manifest independently or arise secondary to underlying conditions such as infection, malignancy, or inflammation affecting the adjacent parenchyma. A healthy adult's pleural cavity typically contains minimal fluid, serving as a lubricant for the pleural surfaces. This fluid, approximately 0.1 to 0.3 milliliters per kilogram, undergoes continuous exchange, originating from the vasculature of the parietal pleura and being reabsorbed by lymphatics in the dependent diaphragmatic and mediastinal areas of the parietal pleura. Chest radiographs are valuable for confirming the presence of effusion. The standard approach typically involves chest tube drainage alongside antibiotic administration for complex parapneumonic effusions or empyema, characterized by either a pleural fluid pH below 7.2 or the presence of organisms. ...