[Pleural effusion: diagnosis and management]

Abstract

Pleural effusion management is a common clinical situation associated with numerous pulmonary, pleural or extra-pulmonary diseases. A systematic approach is needed to enable a rapid diagnosis and an appropriate treatment. Pleural fluid analysis is the first step to perform which allows a presumptive diagnosis in most cases. Otherwise, further analysis of the pleural fluid or thoracic imaging or pleural biopsy may be necessary. This review aims at highlighting the important elements of the work-up required by a pleural effusion.

Keywords: Biopsie pleurale; Exsudat; Exudate; Pleural biopsy; Pleural effusion; Ponction pleurale; Thoracentesis; Transsudat; Transudate; Épanchement pleural.