Pleural Effusion

  • Etiology: non-infected fluid in pleural space, common causes are infection (Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, group A Streptococcus, Mycoplasma, Tuberculosis), cardiac failure
  • CXR: meniscus sign on AP view, free flowing on decubitus view
  • US: clear pleural fluid

Cases of Pleural Effusion

CXR and CT of pleural effusion
CXR PA and left lateral decubitus shows a left lower lobe infiltrate with a free flowing pleural effusion, confirmed on the axial CT with contrast of the chest which showed no enhancement of the pleura to suggest empyema.