Evaluation and Outcome of Para-pneumonic Effusion

Pleural effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the pleural cavity, which results in disturbance of the equilibrium between vascular hydrostatic and oncotic pressures. The underlying causes of pleural effusion include pleural inflammation or infection, congestive heart failure, lymphatic drainage blockage and malignancy.A parapneumonic effusion is a pleural effusion associated with lung infection. Early in the course of parapneumonic effusion, the pleura becomes inflamed with leakage of cellular elements, protein, and fluid into the pleural space, forming the effusion. Subsequent bacterial invasion results in a frank empyema, the presence of which often requires thoracentesis.