Evaluating pleural effusions

How should you go about finding the cause?

Jeffrey B. Rubins Dr Rubins is staff physician, department of medicine, section of pulmonary/critical care, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and associate professor of medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis.

, MD &

Gene L. Colice Dr Colice is associate director, clinical research, 3M Pharmaceuticals, St Paul, Minnesota, and staff physician, department of medicine, section of pulmonary/critical care, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis.

, MD

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The causes of abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lungs are many and varied. Although analysis of pleural fluid uncovers the underlying problem in most cases, sometimes a definitive explanation is elusive. In this article, Drs Rubins and Colice review indications for thoracentesis and various other tests that can help resolve questions about pleural effusion. The authors also discuss diagnostic priorities for patients with exudative pleural effusions and suggest guidelines for understanding idiopathic effusions. An article by the same authors on practical management of pleural effusions will appear in an upcoming issue.

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Evaluating pleural effusions

How should you go about finding the cause?

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Evaluating pleural effusions

How should you go about finding the cause?

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