Parapneumonic effusion

Parapneumonic effusion is a type of pleural effusion that occurs in response to pneumonia, lung abscess, or bronchiectasis. It is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, which is the space between the lung and the chest wall.

Causes

Parapneumonic effusion is caused by an infection in the lung, such as pneumonia, lung abscess, or bronchiectasis. The infection leads to inflammation and increased permeability of the blood vessels in the lung, allowing fluid to leak into the pleural cavity.

Symptoms

The symptoms of parapneumonic effusion can vary depending on the severity of the condition. They may include shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and cough. In severe cases, the condition can lead to respiratory failure.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of parapneumonic effusion is typically made based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. The imaging studies may include a chest X-ray or a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest. In some cases, a thoracentesis may be performed to obtain a sample of the fluid for analysis.

Treatment

The treatment of parapneumonic effusion depends on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, the condition may resolve with antibiotic therapy. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to drain the fluid from the pleural cavity. This can be done through a procedure called a thoracentesis, or in more severe cases, a chest tube may be inserted to continuously drain the fluid.

See also

• Pleural effusion
• Pneumonia
• Lung abscess
• Bronchiectasis

Parapneumonic effusion Resources
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