PLEURAL DISORDERS

Pleural disorders may be broadly divided into three categories: (a) dry pleurisy, i.e. pleural inflammation without significant fluid collection, (b) pleural effusion, i.e. collection of fluid into pleural space, and (c) pneu­mothorax, i.e. entry of air into pleural space.

Pleural effusions, depending on the type of fluid, are also referred as: (a) empyema thoracis (pus), (b) exudative pleural effusion (inflammatory but not purulent fluid),

(c) hydrothorax (non-inflammatory transudative fluid),

(d) hemothorax (blood), and (e) chylothorax (lymph), etc.

The term parapneumonic effusion is used to refer pleural effusion associated with underlying lung infection, e.g. pneumonia of any etiology.

16.12.1