Pleural effusion
Shank, J.C.; Latshaw, R.F.
American Family Physician 17(3): 143-149
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-838X PMID: 629194 Document Number: 129467
Pleural effusion unassociated with other radiologic evidence of disease is a challenging diagnostic problem. With small effusion, only silhouetting of the diaphragm may be noted. A lateral decubitus view will often be helpful. After a careful history, physical examination and selected hematologic studies, diagnostic thoracentesis is indicated. The following determinations on the fluid may be useful: color, character, protein, lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, amylase and cytology. Pleural biopsy may be helpful with tuberculosis and malignancy.