Characteristics of Pleural Effusion and Role of Computed Tomography (CT) Attenuation values (Hounsfield units) in Differentiating Pleural Fluid transudate, exudate and empyema.

Pleural Fluid, Transudate and Exudate

Pleural effusion is a common clinical problem. In the normal state, the pleural cavity is bathed in a small volume of physiologic pleural fluid containing mainly macrophages and lymphocytes. The volume of the pleural fluid can increase dramatically with most pathologic conditions affecting the pleura. The pleural effusion will alter the respiratory mechanics, commonly resulting in dyspnea. It i...

Pleural Effusion — Diagnoses, Treatment, Transudate and Exudate

Medical students often encounter patients with pleural effusion during internships and their residency. These patients do not always suffer from dyspnea and an accurate clinical examination is crucial for the diagnosis. In oral and written exams, explaining the difference between transudate and exudate is a frequent task. In this article, you can find all the important information regarding ple...

Pleural Effusion — Diagnoses, Treatment, Transudate and Exudate

Medical students often encounter patients with pleural effusion during internships and their residency. These patients do not always suffer from dyspnea and an accurate clinical examination is crucial for the diagnosis. In oral and written exams, explaining the difference between transudate and exudate is a frequent task. In this article, you can find all the important information regarding ple...

Evaluation of Plasma-pleural Effusion Albumin Gradient for Differentiating between Pleural Transudate and Exudate

Efficacy of Computed Tomography (CT) Attenuation Values and CT Findings in the Differentiation of Pleural Effusion

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of computed tomography (CT) findings for characterizing pleural effusions with the use of attenuation values. MATERIAL/METHODS One hundred and twenty eight patients with pleural effusions on thoracic CT who underwent thoracentesisis within two weeks were studied. Pleural effusions were classified as exudates or transudates accor...