Thoracentesis may be performed for diagnosis or therapy. The classical pattern of examination includes inspection of the respiratory system, palpation, percussion (tapping) and auscultation. Diagnosis ...

Results: The most common causes of pleural effusion are congestive heart failure, cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism. Pleural fluid puncture (pleural tap) enables the differentiation of a ...

More than 30% of patients with pleural infection either die or require surgery. Drainage of infected fluid is key to successful treatment, but intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy did not improve ...

This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they ...

Pleural effusion, sometimes called water on the lung, is a buildup of fluid between the lungs and the chest cavity. It can result from pneumonia, heart failure, cancer, and other conditions. Pleural ...