Pleural cavity

 Definition

The pleural cavity in the thorax that contains the lungs and heart and is a potential space that can expand in certain disease states.

Bilateral pleural effusions turning out to be urinothorax

What is pleura?

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

Between the layers of the pleura is a very thin space. Normally it's filled with a small amount of fluid.

Pleural fluid

The fluid helps the two layers of the pleura glide smoothly past each other as your lungs breathe air in and out.

Pleural space

Disorders of the pleura

• 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

• 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

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

Treatment focuses on removing fluid, air, or blood from the pleural space, relieving symptoms, and treating the underlying condition.