Pathophysiology of Pleural Effusion

Leaky capillaries from inflammation

Infection, infarction, or tumor

Systemic derangements occur

Altered protein and LDH level

Low level of protein and LDH level

Elevated pulmonary capillary pressure heart failure

Excess ascites

Low oncotic pressure

imbalance between the fluid production

and fluid removal in the pleural space

excess pleural fluid in altered breathing (dyspnic)

pleural spaces
decrease vocal resonance

pleural friction rub

stony dullness in percussion

narrowed lung expansion pain during exertion in

some patient

altered oxygenation

possible pneumonia

drain of excess fluid

Chest Thoracostomy Tube