Pleural cavity
(Redirected from Pleural cavities)
Definition[edit | edit source]
The pleural cavity in the thorax that contains the lungs and heart and is a potential space that can expand in certain disease states.
What is pleura?[edit | edit source]
The pleura is a large, thin sheet of tissue that wraps around the outside of your lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity.
Pleural space[edit | edit source]
Between the layers of the pleura is a very thin space. Normally it's filled with a small amount of fluid.
Pleural fluid[edit | edit source]
The fluid helps the two layers of the pleura glide smoothly past each other as your lungs breathe air in and out.
Disorders of the pleura[edit | edit source]
- Pleurisy - inflammation of the pleura that causes sharp pain with breathing
- Pleural effusion - excess fluid in the pleural space
- Pneumothorax - buildup of air or gas in the pleural space
- Hemothorax - buildup of blood in the pleural space
Causes of pleural problems[edit | edit source]
- Many different conditions can cause pleural problems.
- Viral infection is the most common cause of pleurisy.
- The most common cause of pleural effusion is congestive heart failure.
- Lung diseases, like COPD, tuberculosis, and acute lung injury, cause pneumothorax.
- Injury to the chest is the most common cause of hemothorax.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis includes history and physical examination, Chest X ray, CT scan, Ultrasound and sometimes tapping the pleural fluid using a procedure called pleural tap.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment focuses on removing fluid, air, or blood from the pleural space, relieving symptoms, and treating the underlying condition.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD