Pleural effusion is excess fluid that accumulates in the pleural cavity, the fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs. Excessive amounts of such fluid can impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs during inhalation.
Pleural effusion is defined as an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. Excess fluid results from the disruption of the equilibrium that exists across pleural membranes.
Both parietal and visceral membranes are smooth, glistening, and semitransparent. Despite these similarities, the two membranes have unique differences in anatomic architecture, innervation, pain fibers, blood supply, lymphatic drainage, and function. For example, the visceral pleurae contain no pain fibers and have a dual blood supply (bronchial and pulmonary).
Normally, very small amounts of pleural fluid are present in the pleural spaces, and fluid is not detectable by routine methods. When certain disorders occur, excessive pleural fluid may accumulate and cause pulmonary signs and symptoms. Simply put, pleural effusions occur when the rate of fluid formation exceeds that of fluid absorption. Once a symptomatic, unexplained pleural effusion occurs, a diagnosis needs to be established.
Internal Medicine Teaching by Professor EBM is a complete medical solution.
Pleural effusion is defined as an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. Excess fluid results from the disruption of the equilibrium that exists across pleural membranes.
Both parietal and visceral membranes are smooth, glistening, and semitransparent. Despite these similarities, the two membranes have unique differences in anatomic architecture, innervation, pain fibers, blood supply, lymphatic drainage, and function. For example, the visceral pleurae contain no pain fibers and have a dual blood supply (bronchial and pulmonary).
Normally, very small amounts of pleural fluid are present in the pleural spaces, and fluid is not detectable by routine methods. When certain disorders occur, excessive pleural fluid may accumulate and cause pulmonary signs and symptoms. Simply put, pleural effusions occur when the rate of fluid formation exceeds that of fluid absorption. Once a symptomatic, unexplained pleural effusion occurs, a diagnosis needs to be established.
Internal Medicine Teaching by Professor EBM is a complete medical solution.
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